· Helena Independent Record · By Author not listed · From the Border Crossing Law Firm media archive.
The Associated Press reports that Audemio Orozco-Ramirez said he was raped by other detainees while ICE held him in the Jefferson County jail. He was unable to report the assault until he reached an Idaho facility with a Spanish-speaking officer. His attorney, Shahid Haque, questioned gaps in the jail's video record and ICE's refusal to pause deportation while the allegation was investigated.
The case exposed the vulnerability of immigration detainees held in rural county jails, including language barriers, placement with criminal detainees, and the possibility of removal before a serious allegation could be investigated. Shahid's representation extended beyond the deportation case to his client's safety and ability to seek accountability.