Judge Blasts ICE Over 'Appalling' Arrest of Dentist

A federal judge in Minnesota issued a strong rebuke to immigration authorities for the detention of William Virgil Lizardo, a Canadian dentist and father. Judge Michael J. Davis ruled that Lizardo's arrest and imprisonment violated his Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights, citing an obvious risk of wrongful deprivation of liberty. Davis described the situation as "appalling" and ordered Lizardo's immediate release from Minnesota detention by 6 p.m. on November 1.

The judge prohibited any further detention, transfer, or removal of Lizardo without court permission. Lizardo, 32, was arrested after an immigration hearing notice was sent to an outdated address, leading to his absence from the March 26 hearing. He was unaware of the notice, hearing, or removal order until October 23, when he attended an immigration interview in St. Paul.

Two days later, he was arrested by ICE agents. Davis granted Lizardo's petition for a writ of habeas corpus, releasing him on his own recognizance and barring authorities from re-detaining or removing him without court approval. The judge emphasized Lizardo's strong ties to the community and his history of attending immigration appointments, arguing it was unreasonable to believe he would flee.

The ruling does not grant Lizardo permanent residency or resolve his overall immigration case, as his proceedings remain reopened.