Chicago (AP) – A man has been wrongfully accused by Wisconsin officials regarding Mexican immigrants; after a violent attack in 2023.
Ramon Morales Reyes gained national attention last week when Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem accused him of sending a letter that threatened Trump.
Agency officials later acknowledged that Morales Reyes is no longer considered a suspect in the case, especially after another individual was charged with forging a letter in Wisconsin. However, a social media post from the Trump administration highlighted Morales Reyes as a potential assassin of the president.
Morales Reyes’ attorney asserts he poses no danger to society, while activists argue he is being used as a scapegoat amid a hostile immigration climate. Meanwhile, federal authorities are advocating for his deportation since the 54-year-old lacks legal status in the country.
Here’s what you should know about the case:
Why is he being accused?
According to his attorneys, Morales Reyes emigrated from Mexico in the 1980s. A married father with three U.S. citizen children, he worked as a dishwasher in Milwaukee.
Federal immigration officials took him into custody last month while he was dropping his daughter off at school.
A few days later, Noem posted pictures on social media and shared excerpts from a letter he allegedly wrote in English, which suggested a call for Trump to be shot at a rally. His arrest was celebrated by the White House and Trump supporters as a victory for the administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
However, subsequent details emerged revealing that Morales Reyes doesn’t speak English fluently and cannot write in the language.
On Tuesday, Wisconsin officials accused Demetric D. Scott of forging a letter intended to implicate Morales Reyes, who was considered a potential witness against him in the 2023 attack. Court records indicate that Scott was involved in an incident where he allegedly knocked Morales Reyes off his bike and injured him with a box cutter.
According to legal documents, law enforcement mentioned that Scott was aware of a plan to frame someone using letters and immigration agents. It was also confirmed that he admitted to writing the letter, according to the documents.
Scott remains in Milwaukee County Jail, awaiting trial scheduled for July. He is facing new charges, including making threats against witnesses and identity theft.
Inquiries directed to the state’s public defender’s office were not immediately returned. Scott’s lawyer has previously chosen not to comment.
What is his immigration status?
Earlier this year, Morales Reyes applied for a U visa, which is designated for undocumented individuals who are victims of serious crimes. His lawyer stated that the application is currently pending.
He is being held at the Dodge Detention Center in Juneau, located about 70 miles (112.65 km) north of Milwaukee.
Homeland Security has not publicly clarified any details regarding the threat against the president.
Instead, they have intensified their efforts to pursue an immigration case against him, claiming he has illegally crossed the border at least nine times between 1998 and 2005, in addition to having a criminal history.
“The federal investigation into the threat against the president has concluded, but he will remain in custody during the removal proceedings,” a DHS spokesperson stated.
According to his attorneys, Morales Reyes faced charges in two separate cases in 1996.
In one instance, he was arrested for property damage but was not formally charged. In another, he faced charges for disorderly conduct and criminal damage after an altercation with his wife, although no injuries were reported.
His legal team argues that the information regarding the threat should be swiftly corrected, as he and his family are facing harassment and threats.
“The administration hastily promoted a narrative portraying immigrants as dangerous,” attorney Cain Olahan stated.
What are the next steps?
Immigrant rights advocates are rallying in support of Morales Reyes, including a group that gathered outside the downtown Chicago Immigration Court ahead of a brief hearing in his deportation case. Some protesters held large banners reading, “Stop scapegoating immigrants.”
Morales Reyes, appearing via livestream in a green prison jumpsuit, communicated through a Spanish interpreter and acknowledged understanding the situation.
Olahan informed the judge that he is seeking an expedited resolution, considering the public accusations against Morales Reyes, and is advocating for his release on bond.
A government attorney informed the judge that they had no updates on the threat allegations.
Immigration Judge Carla Espinoza stated that additional time would be required to review the documents, scheduling another hearing for June 10th.
The circumstances are proving difficult for Morales Reyes and his family.
“He’s the backbone of his family. This is incredibly stressful for him,” Olahan remarked. “He is very concerned.”
Source: apnews.com