FITCHBURG— A controversy is brewing in Massachusetts after a federal judge ordered the release of an illegal alien accused of serious crimes, including stabbing a coworker. The case of Juliana Milena Ojeda-Montoya has now become a national topic of discussion, especially following a shocking video of her arrest by ICE agents that went viral.

U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neuman ruled that Ojeda-Montoya's rights to due process were violated during her detention. The judge pointed to the "acute medical episode" of Ojeda-Montoya's husband, who allegedly faked a seizure during the arrest, claiming it interfered with the apprehension. "Liberty is the norm and detention without trial is the 'carefully limited exception,'" Neuman stated in her court filing.

Ojeda-Montoya, who entered the U.S. illegally by crossing the border in Arizona in February 2023, was charged with assault and battery after allegedly attacking her Burger King coworker with scissors and throwing a trash can. Despite the severity of these charges, Judge Neuman insisted that they did not meet the criteria for mandatory detention under the Laken Riley Act.

While Ojeda-Montoya has been released back to her family, the implications of her case continue to reverberate. Fitchburg Mayor Sam Squailia has called for advance notice from ICE before any future operations in the city, emphasizing the need for transparency in federal actions that put local law enforcement in difficult positions. Squailia noted that recording these interactions is crucial for ensuring community accountability.

The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against the narrative, alleging that Ojeda-Montoya's husband faked his medical episode to aid a "criminal escape." Congressional Democrats have weighed in, emphasizing that the incident highlights ongoing issues with DHS's credibility. "DHS will lie. They always do," they asserted, calling for greater scrutiny of the agency's actions.

As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on the balance between immigration enforcement and the rights of individuals accused of crimes. The legal battle is far from over, with further proceedings expected this week as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare their briefs regarding the applicability of federal laws in this dramatic situation.