CHICAGO — An immigrant man wrongfully accused of threatening to kill former President Donald Trump has been granted a bond release from a Wisconsin prison, an immigration judge ruled Tuesday. Ramón Morales Reyes, who faced serious allegations based on a forgery, might leave Dodge Detention Center this week if federal authorities choose not to contest the decision.
Morales Reyes, a native of Mexico, was implicated in a publicized social media post by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which claimed he had sent a letter threatening Trump. However, Wisconsin authorities quickly found that Morales Reyes, who struggles with English, was a victim of a scheme orchestrated by Demetric D. Scott. This alleged assailant sought to fabricate evidence to exonerate himself in a robbery case that Morales Reyes was slated to witness.
Judge Carla Espinoza set Morales Reyes’ bond at $7,500 during a brief hearing in Chicago, stating that he does not pose a danger to the community. Appearing virtually from the detention center, the 54-year-old awaits the potential finalization of his release, contingent upon the government’s next steps.
The Department of Homeland Security did not clarify its plans regarding an appeal during the hearing. However, its officials reiterated their commitment to detaining and deporting immigrants without legal status, despite the recent developments surrounding Morales Reyes’ situation.
Morales Reyes has lived in the United States since the 1980s and works as a dishwasher in Milwaukee, where he supports his three children, all U.S. citizens. His recent arrest came after he dropped a child off at school; authorities escalated his case following the false accusations. Earlier this year, he applied for a U visa, designed for crime victims, a process that typically spans several years.
While officials have acknowledged that Morales Reyes is no longer considered a threat to Trump, they emphasize that his immigration case remains active. They allege that he previously re-entered the country without permission multiple times. Notably, Noem’s initial post linking Morales Reyes to an assassination attempt continues to circulate among Trump supporters, which has drawn criticism from his legal representation.
His attorney, Cain Oulahan, condemned the misinformation and reiterated that Morales Reyes is a victim, calling for a public correction regarding the allegations. “It’s essential that someone else be held accountable for this misunderstanding,” he stated.
Adding to the human aspect of the story, Morales Reyes’ daughter, Anna, expressed her family’s distress over the situation. She described her father as hardworking and devoted to providing for his family. “He is not a threat to anyone. He deserves justice,” she said, expressing hope for a swift resolution.
Meanwhile, Scott, the man accused of forging the threatening letter, has a hearing on additional charges, including felony witness intimidation, set for June 23. Currently in jail, the outcome could further complicate the already tangled web of allegations surrounding this case.
