ICE ordered to release transgender asylum seeker by judge
Share and Follow


Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A U.S. judge has ordered the release of a transgender asylum seeker from Mexico who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents last month.

The 24-year-old woman who goes by OJM, was at a hearing for her asylum case in Portland on June 2 when ICE officials asked the court to dismiss her case and detained her.

In response, attorneys at the Portland-based Innovation Law Lab said they filed an emergency petition, arguing ICE used “deceptive and unethical practices” to detain her and strip her of her due process rights.

According to OJM’s attorneys, after she left the courtroom, ICE agents arrested her “in an attempt to end her asylum claim, transfer her, and rapidly deport her.”

“This is a dangerous attempt by ICE to circumvent due process, speed up deportations, and eviscerate the right to asylum,” said Innovation Law Lab Attorney Jordan Cunnings after OJM’s arrest. “This unethical behavior goes against the values we hold as Oregonians, ensuring that everyone is welcomed and included in our state.”

According to court documents, Judge Amy Baggio claimed that OJM was “erroneously deprived by the Government without procedural due process through the series of Government actions.”

OJM was abducted and raped in Mexico because of her gender identity and sexual orientation “at the hands of a dangerous cartel,” OJM’s attorneys said, noting she fled to the United States for safety.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Washington man allegedly lures police with bogus 911 call, slashes officer in face

Washington Resident Allegedly Tricks Police with Fake 911 Call, Attacks Officer

A man is facing charges after allegedly setting an ambush for two…
Bill Hader breaks cover after tense chat with Nick Reiner

Bill Hader Emerges Publicly Following Intense Discussion with Nick Reiner

Bill Hader was recently spotted looking visibly distressed following a tense exchange…
At least 10 dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach

Exclusive: Australian Intelligence Uncovered Iranian Terror Threat Before Bondi Incident

Senior Israeli intelligence sources have revealed that Australia was alerted several months…
'See you in court': Muslim civil rights group responds to terrorist designation by Florida governor

Governor DeSantis Introduces ‘AI Bill of Rights’ Amidst Ongoing Executive Order from President Trump

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced a groundbreaking proposal known as the…
Melissa Webb assembles an artificial Christmas tree at Lee Display

Why Americans Are Choosing Imported Artificial Christmas Trees Despite Rising Costs

On a chilly December day, Mark Latino and his dedicated team were…
FILE - White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles listens during a cabinet meeting at the White House, April 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

White House Chief Susie Wiles Takes Aim at Bondi and Shares Candid Thoughts on Trump in Vanity Fair Exclusive

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a recent Vanity Fair feature, Susie Wiles, the…
Bystanders confront gunman in Australia

Bystanders Courageously Intervene During Australian Gunman’s ISIS-Inspired Attack

In a dramatic turn of events captured on video, courageous bystanders attempted…
Ex-US soldier gets consecutive life sentences for killing couple to fund Venezuela mercenary fighting plans

Former US Soldier Sentenced to Life for Double Murder Linked to Mercenary Ambitions in Venezuela

A former U.S. soldier with a controversial past in Ukraine has been…