Judge Blocks ICE Deportation of Transgender Asylum Seeker: Why Due Process Still Matters
Imagine complying with every legal requirement, showing up for your day in court, and then being arrested on the spot—without warning, without time to speak to your lawyer, and with no clear explanation of where you’re being taken. For one 24-year-old transgender woman seeking asylum in the U.S., this nightmare became a reality.
Her name is O.J.M., and her recent detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside an immigration courthouse in Portland, Oregon has captured national attention. Her case highlights serious concerns about due process, government transparency, and the vulnerability of transgender individuals in immigration detention. It also raises broader questions about how the system treats people who are trying to follow the rules.
A Quick Recap: What Happened to O.J.M.
O.J.M. fled Mexico after experiencing brutal gender-based violence at the hands of cartel members. She entered the United States through a legal port of entry in California in September 2023, was released after initial detention, and formally filed her asylum claim in February 2025. She complied with all ICE check-ins and appeared for her scheduled court hearing in June 2025. Moments after leaving the courthouse, she was arrested by ICE agents.
She was then transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Washington state. That move likely happened because Oregon, where she was living at the time, is a sanctuary state with laws that limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement. Even so, ICE operates independently—and aggressively—in many parts of the country.
Due Process Is Not Optional
At its core, this case is about due process—the fundamental legal right to fair treatment under the law. That includes the right to be heard, to consult with legal counsel, and to challenge the actions of the government before they result in harm. When someone is detained immediately after attending court, without notice to their legal team or an opportunity to respond, that right is seriously undermined.
Judge Amy Baggio, a federal judge in Oregon, responded quickly. She issued an emergency order temporarily blocking O.J.M.’s removal and demanded that ICE provide details about why and how she was transferred. Her order stopped the deportation in its tracks—for now.
Why This Matters for Transgender Individuals
Transgender individuals are among the most at-risk populations in immigration detention. Abuse, medical neglect, and prolonged isolation are all well-documented realities. For transgender asylum seekers, simply being in detention can be a form of re-traumatization.
That’s why O.J.M.’s arrest sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights advocates. Her case is not unique—but it is visible, and it demonstrates just how fragile legal protections can become when agencies act without oversight.
Sanctuary Policies vs. Federal Power
Oregon is often described as a “sanctuary state,” meaning that local law enforcement agencies are generally barred from helping ICE detain or deport individuals based on their immigration status. But ICE operates under federal authority and is not bound by those state or local limitations. That’s how O.J.M. ended up being arrested in Oregon and transferred to a facility in Washington.
This tension between state protections and federal power often leaves individuals—and their attorneys—scrambling to respond.
Legal Support Is Essential, Even When the System Feels Broken
While the court’s order was a vital intervention, it came only after an emergency legal petition was filed. The reality is that people navigating immigration law need legal support not just to prepare documents, but to protect their rights when the system fails them.
For individuals or families dealing with complex immigration matters, it’s critical to understand how enforcement works, what legal remedies exist, and when action must be taken to prevent irreversible harm.
If you’re grappling with immigration questions—especially related to custody, family-based petitions, or naturalization—it’s important to work with someone who understands the stakes and will advocate for your rights at every step.
What Happens Next?
While Judge Baggio’s order offers temporary protection, it does not resolve O.J.M.’s case. ICE is now required to respond to the court and explain its actions. Further hearings will determine whether her asylum case can continue and whether she will be released from custody. The legal fight is far from over.
This developing situation reminds us that the immigration system is not just about paperwork—it’s about people, rights, and the rule of law. When those rights are ignored, the courts must be willing to step in.
Know Your Rights. Get Legal Guidance You Can Trust.
Whether you’re navigating a family-based petition, concerned about your status, or unsure how recent enforcement actions might impact your loved ones, it’s essential to have the right legal support in place.
At Zachary W. Anderson Law, we offer compassionate, client-centered immigration representation focused on family petitions and citizenship matters. We understand the real-life challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and families, and we’re committed to helping you move forward with clarity and support.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your options.