On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, KXLH – Helena reported that a federal district court judge in Missoula determined he lacked jurisdiction over the detention of Christopher Martinez Marvan, a Mexican citizen arrested by federal immigration officers in Helena on July 1.
The ruling by Judge Dana Christensen allows federal authorities to transfer Martinez out of Montana.
Martinez, 31, resides in Helena with his U.S. citizen wife and their children. His legal team had filed a petition requesting the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana to take jurisdiction over his detention and sought his release, claiming the arrest violated his Fourth Amendment rights.
However, Judge Christensen ruled that jurisdiction over Martinez’s detention lies with an Immigration Court or the U.S. Court of Appeals, not the federal district court.
As part of the decision, Christensen also lifted a temporary order that had previously prevented Martinez’s transfer out of state.
The ruling marks a significant development in Martinez’s case, as it clears the way for federal immigration authorities to proceed with their processes, potentially moving him to another state for further immigration proceedings.
Source: KXLH – Helena
