U.S. Judge Denies Habeas Corpus Petition for Inés Gómez Mont

A federal judge in Miami denied a habeas corpus petition filed by the legal team of former television presenter Inés Gómez Mont, who was taken into custody by U.S. immigration authorities on October 30. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz of the Southern District of Florida ruled on November 5 that the petition was not the appropriate mechanism to challenge her detention, noting that Gómez Mont must instead request an immigration hearing to seek release under bond.

Gómez Mont is currently being held at the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach, according to records from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Department of Homeland Security records indicate that she entered the United States in July 2021 without inspection and lacked valid authorization to stay in the country. Following her detention, immigration authorities issued a formal notice of appearance outlining her inadmisibility.

While the federal judge rejected the habeas corpus request, the ruling leaves open the possibility for Gómez Mont to pursue a custody review hearing under Section 1226(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. During such a proceeding, an immigration judge would evaluate whether she qualifies for release on bond while removal proceedings move forward. The court also dismissed an earlier emergency request from her defense seeking to prevent her transfer to another detention facility, explaining that federal courts lack jurisdiction over internal agency placement decisions.

The legal developments in the United States unfold against the backdrop of significant criminal charges in Mexico. Mexican authorities maintain active arrest warrants against Gómez Mont and her husband, Víctor Manuel Álvarez Puga, relating to allegations of organized crime, money laundering, and tax fraud. Prosecutors in Mexico allege that the couple participated in a financial scheme involving public resource diversion and fraudulent commercial operations connected to government contracts.

Mexican Attorney General Ernestina Godoy stated that if Gómez Mont is deported to Mexico, local authorities will execute the existing arrest warrants upon her entry into the country. Representatives for the Mexican government have emphasized their intention to seek her extradition and reactivation of international notices to ensure she faces trial before Mexican tribunals.

Galilea Montijo, a prominent television personality and former close friend of Gómez Mont, addressed the situation briefly during a public event. Montijo declined to comment extensively on the legal specifics, citing her lack of political knowledge, but expressed deep affection for Gómez Mont's children and voiced faith that the situation would resolve.

Gómez Mont first gained widespread public recognition in the United States during Super Bowl XLII media day in 2008, when she famously appeared in a wedding dress to propose to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Nearly two decades later, her legal standing is centered on immigration proceedings in Florida and the ongoing efforts of Mexican prosecutors seeking her return.