Ortiz-Raygoza
Ortiz-Raygoza v. Ashcroft
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM ***
Substantial evidence supports the IJ’s determination that Ortiz-Raygoza did not bear his burden of demonstrating eligibility for asylum — that he was unable or unwilling to return to Mexico “because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.” Melkonian v. Ashcroft, 320 F.3d 1061, 1064 (9th Cir. 2003) (quoting 8 U.S.C. § 1101 (a)(42)(A)).
Ortiz-Raygoza testified that his father was severely beaten by Judicial Police in 1983 for transporting a number of individuals to a PAN political rally. Ortiz-Raygoza claimed that his father eventually died from these injuries, and that his mother lodged a formal complaint against the police, which was somewhat successful because several officers were forced to relocate. Years later, however, the officers allegedly returned to the town and harassed Ortiz-Raygoza’s family regarding the complaint. Ortiz-Raygoza testified that he was severely beaten on one occasion, requiring several stitches to his head, and leading to his decision to leave the country.