Roberto Orozco-Ramirez built his life in Froid, Montana over more than a decade. He built his diesel repair shop from the ground up — literally, with his sons, brick by brick. He coached Little League. He kept school buses running and farm equipment working in a town of fewer than 200 people where everyone depends on everyone else. His neighbors describe him as the hardest working man they have ever known.

In January 2026, Border Patrol agents in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles began surveilling his home and business. When they approached him at his shop, he was suspicious — nothing about the encounter signaled law enforcement. As they drove away he threw a piece of lumber in the direction of their car. He was arrested and charged with illegal reentry and threatening a federal officer.

He had no criminal record. The local sheriff said he posed no danger to anyone.

What happened next says everything about this community. Neighbors drove seven hours at 3am to sit in a courtroom for an eight-minute hearing. His sons' teammates wore his name on their jerseys at games. The town — 75% Trump voters — held fundraisers, printed sweatshirts, and stood on the road with signs. "You read about this happening in Los Angeles and Minneapolis," said one neighbor. "Whoever dreamed it would happen here to the hardest working man I've ever known?"

After 100 days Roberto was released. Charges were dropped. He is now suing the detention center that held him.

Sign this petition to stand with Roberto Orozco-Ramirez and demand accountability for the system that separated a father from his family and his community for 100 days.
 

Photo: Lauren Miller, Montana Free Press, CatchLight Local/Report for America via AP