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
90 Day Fiance star Eric Rosenbrook's baby dies after he is arrested

“90 Day Fiancé’s Eric Rosenbrook Faces Tragedy: Child Passes Away Following Arrest”

90 Day Fiancé star Eric Rosenbrook and his wife Leida Rosenbrook have lost their …
Concern grows over 'increased' southbound inspections for vehicles at San Ysidro Port of Entry

Rising Concerns Over Enhanced Vehicle Inspections at San Ysidro Border Crossing

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Drivers heading into Tijuana through the San…
Avelo Airlines to exit West Coast markets, close Burbank base

Avelo Airlines to Cease Operations on West Coast and Shut Down Burbank Hub

The budget carrier said all West Coast operations will end by early…
Pokémon card robbery suspect arrested after California crash

Suspect in Pokémon Card Theft Arrested Following Crash in California

VALLEJO, Calif. (KRON) A victim trying to sell high-value Pokémon cards during a…
Bryson DeChambeau confident analytical game can translate at British Open

Bryson DeChambeau Believes Analytical Approach Will Succeed at the British Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — A theory suggests that Bryson DeChambeau’s game, heavily…
Arrest made in shooting deaths of 'American Idol' music supervisor Robin Kaye, her husband Thomas Deluca inside Los Angeles home

Suspect Arrested in Murder Case of ‘American Idol’ Music Supervisor Robin Kaye and Husband Thomas Deluca at Their Los Angeles Residence

ENCINO, LOS ANGELES — An arrest has been made in the deadly…
Scorned woman hatched evil plot over ex-husband's engagement

Jilted Woman Schemes Vengeful Plan After Ex-Husband’s Engagement

A woman from Texas, recently divorced, allegedly attempted to murder her former…
Wildfire that destroyed historic Grand Canyon Lodge was allowed to burn for days

Wildfire That Engulfed Historic Grand Canyon Lodge Was Left Unchecked for Days

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) A wildfire that tore through a…