HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Diesel mechanic detained 109 days, judge orders release after rejecting Trump detention policy

May 14, 2026 · Great Falls, MT, Mexico

Diesel mechanic detained 109 days, judge orders release after rejecting Trump detention policy

Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, an undocumented Mexican immigrant and longtime Froid, Montana resident, turned himself in to Border Patrol on January 25, 2026, after agents staked out his home. He was charged with illegal reentry and held in detention. After the government dropped the illegal re-entry charge in April, he remained in custody under the Trump administration's expanded mandatory detention policy. On May 14, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Brian Morris ruled his continued detention unlawful, finding the administration's interpretation of immigration law erroneous and violating due process rights, and ordered his release within 24 hours. The small, conservative town of Froid organized community fundraisers to support his family throughout the ordeal.

Timeline

May 14, 2026U.S. District Court Chief Judge Brian Morris ruled continued detention unlawful and ordered release within 24 hours, finding Trump administration's detention policy interpretation erroneous and violative of due process rights
Apr 2026Government dropped illegal re-entry charge against Orozco-Ramirez
Jan 25, 2026Roberto Orozco-Ramirez turned himself in to Border Patrol after agents staked out his home; charged with illegal reentry and taken into detention

Sources

More incidents in Montana