Threatening Charge Dropped During Orozco Hearing

Froid community rallies behind local business owner facing illegal reentry charge

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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More than 20 Froid residents traveled to the Missouri River Courthouse in Great Falls to show support for Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, a local father, coach and business owner, at a hearing in U.S. District Court. Orozco faces one charge of Illegal Reentry to the U.S., but a second charge of threatening a federal officer was dropped. The Froid community has been vocal in their support for Orozco, calling politicians and hoping to find a way to make him legal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges faced by immigrant community members in rural America, as well as the importance of community support and advocacy in navigating the complex legal system. Orozco's case has drawn attention to issues around immigration enforcement, due process, and the impact on local communities.

The details

Orozco pleaded not guilty to the illegal reentry charge, which carries a possible penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The threatening charge, which had appeared on the original criminal complaint, was not included in the indictment handed down by a grand jury. According to the Roosevelt County Sheriff, U.S. Border Patrol agents had been staging near Orozco's home and business in the weeks leading up to his surrender, which he did with the sheriff acting as an intermediary. Orozco has been in custody in Great Falls since being removed from the Roosevelt County Detention Center on January 27.

  • Orozco surrendered to authorities on January 25, 2026.
  • Orozco was removed from the Roosevelt County Detention Center on January 27, 2026.
  • The hearing in U.S. District Court took place on February 9, 2026.

The players

Roberto Orozco-Ramirez

A local father, coach and business owner in Froid, Montana who faces a charge of Illegal Reentry to the U.S.

Jason Frederick

The Roosevelt County Sheriff who served as an intermediary when Orozco surrendered to authorities.

Laurie Young

A Froid Council member who spoke about the case after the hearing.

Keith Nordlund

A Froid resident who expressed happiness that the threatening charge was dropped.

Roberto Orozco-Lazcano

Orozco's oldest son, who expressed gratitude for the community's support.

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What they’re saying

“I was happy to see the threatening charge was dropped.”

— Laurie Young, Froid Council member (northernplainsindependent.com)

“Overall, I am happy, hopefully they will do a detention hearing before long and we can get him home and back to his family as this plays out. We are still asking people to call as many politicians as we can in hopes of finding a way to make him legal.”

— Keith Nordlund, Froid resident (northernplainsindependent.com)

“We want to thank all the people who are supporting us and helping us with all this that is happening. Please keep calling local politicians. That is helping us a lot.”

— Roberto Orozco-Lazcano (northernplainsindependent.com)

What’s next

A date for the next hearing in the case has yet to be announced.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community support and advocacy for immigrant community members facing legal challenges, as well as the need for a more humane and just immigration system that considers the impacts on local communities.