Home / Crime and Justice / Dentist Freed: Judge Rules His Rights Violated in Custody
Dentist Freed: Judge Rules His Rights Violated in Custody
2 Nov
Summary
- Judge ordered dentist's release, citing constitutional rights violations.
- Dentist was detained during a green card interview, unaware of deportation order.
- USCIS had no probable cause to believe the dentist was in the country illegally.
A Canadian-born dentist, William Lizardo, is home in Minnesota after a judge ordered his release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. The judge found that Lizardo's Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights were being violated while he was detained. The 32-year-old dentist, who has been providing free dental services in Minnesota, was detained on October 23, 2026, during a green card interview.
Lizardo's family stated he was unaware of an immediate deportation order until his detention. This order stemmed from a notice to appear that the government had sent to a Virginia address where Lizardo and his wife had not lived for over two years. His lack of response, due to not receiving the notice, led to the deportation order in March 2026.
An immigration court had previously reopened the case, acknowledging Lizardo's sufficient evidence of never receiving the notice. His attorney is now working towards the approval of his green card application. ICE had asserted Lizardo overstayed his lawful entry, a claim his attorney disputes.
