Opinion ID: 760180
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Montez-Gaviria's Mistaken Deportation

Text: 10 We heard oral argument in this case on October 1, 1998. In the days immediately following, events took a surprising turn. Attempting to contact Montez-Gaviria to discuss the status of his appeal, his counsel discovered that the INS had mistakenly deported Montez-Gaviria on October 5. Apparently, the terms of the writ by which Montez-Gaviria was transferred to federal custody in 1997 provided that he was to be returned to state custody following his federal prosecution. Pursuant to these terms, federal marshals transferred Montez-Gaviria from federal prison to state custody in February 1998. At the same time, they filed a detainer so that he would be returned to federal prison when state proceedings against him had concluded. In August 1998, however, state authorities released Montez-Gaviria to the INS, who deported him. Both the state and the INS had the detainer in their files but somehow failed to act upon it. In view of Montez-Gaviria's agreement to deportation, one can only surmise that he reacted much like Brer Rabbit did when tossed into the briar patch. 11 Upon learning of his client's deportation, Montez-Gaviria's lawyer moved this court to dismiss his appeal without prejudice. This would allow Montez-Gaviria to reinstate his appeal if he ever returns to the United States. We address this request, in addition to the merits of the appeal, in this opinion.