Judge Grants Bond to Immigrant Falsely Accused of Threatening Former President Trump
A undocumented Mexican immigrant who was wrongfully detained after being framed by a fellow inmate for allegedly threatening former President Donald Trump can now be released on bond, a Chicago Immigration Court judge has ruled.
Judge Espinoza Questions Danger to Community
At a hearing held on Tuesday, Judge Carla Espinoza expressed doubts that Ramon Morales-Reyes, a Milwaukee resident, poses any threat to the community as he awaits further immigration proceedings.
Morales-Reyes, 54 years old, has a long history of arrests dating back to 1996 but has only one conviction for disorderly conduct. His attorney, Cain Oulahan, requested bond, which was unopposed by the government’s counsel.
Though Morales-Reyes still remains detained in Wisconsin’s Dodge County Jail, the judge set bond at $7,500. If unable to post bail, his next hearing is scheduled for July 10. Should he post bond, an additional court date will be arranged.
The Story Behind the False Accusations
The entire case took an unexpected turn when authorities discovered that the letters threatening Trump, which prompted Morales-Reyes’ arrest on May 22, 2025, were actually written by another inmate.
Morales-Reyes, who has lived in the U.S. since 1986, was initially suspected after threatening letters addressed to law enforcement featuring threats against Trump surfaced in Wisconsin. However, handwriting analysis revealed the letters bore no resemblance to Morales-Reyes’ handwriting. Moreover, the letters were written in fluent English, a language Morales-Reyes does not speak, read, or write well.
During questioning, Morales-Reyes identified the real culprit: Demetric Scott, a 52-year-old inmate detained in Milwaukee County Jail. Scott, who had previously robbed and attacked Morales-Reyes with a box cutter, confessed to fabricating the letters. His motivation was chilling—Scott aimed to have Morales-Reyes deported so that Morales-Reyes could not testify against him at an upcoming criminal trial.
Charges Against the True Perpetrator
Scott faces serious charges, including identity theft, felony intimidation of a witness, and bail jumping, all related to his scheme of writing the threatening letters and framing Morales-Reyes.
Official Response from Homeland Security
Despite admitting Morales-Reyes is no longer under investigation for the threats, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson reiterated the administration’s firm stance on immigration enforcement. She highlighted Morales-Reyes’ prior arrests for various offenses, emphasizing the commitment to deport individuals in the country illegally.
Ironically, the original announcement of Morales-Reyes’ arrest, which portrayed him as an "illegal alien" threatening the former president, still remains visible on the DHS website, though it carries a disclaimer acknowledging the dismissal of the threat investigation.
A Closer Look: The Human Impact
Morales-Reyes is a married father of three, who had applied for a special visa intended for crime victims at the time of his arrest. This ordeal underscores the complexities and potential injustices faced by immigrants navigating the legal system.
What’s Next?
- Morales-Reyes awaits his next hearing, with the possibility of release on bond.
- Demetric Scott remains in custody, facing multiple criminal charges.
- The case continues to shed light on misuse of the immigration system and the importance of thorough investigations before detaining individuals.
This case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly false accusations can devastate lives, and the critical role of justice in protecting the innocent.
