SEATTLE — A federal magistrate in Seattle said Monday he will not hold an immediate hearing to consider releasing a man arrested by immigration agents despite his participation in federal program to protect people brought to the U.S. illegally as children.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James Donohue denied the request by lawyers for Daniel Ramirez Medina, 23. He noted he has already set an expedited briefing schedule, and oral arguments will go forward March 8.
“The court finds no basis to disturb the accelerated briefing schedule already set in this case,” Donohue wrote.
Ramirez, who is Mexican, was detained on Feb. 10.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Ramirez admitted having gang ties and was detained as a risk to public safety. His lawyers have called that “utterly fabricated,” accused them of doctoring a statement Ramirez gave by erasing key words. Ramirez’s lawyers noted that he has no criminal record.