Trailblazing Latino Judge and Civil Rights Advocate Ricardo M. Urbina Dies at 79

Ricardo M. Urbina, a prominent figure in the legal and athletic realms, passed away at the age of 79 on Monday in Washington. His son, Ian Urbina, noted that the cause of death was complications related to Parkinson's disease, as he was residing in an assisted living facility at the time.

Judge Urbina, the first Latino to be appointed to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the United States District Court in Washington, left an indelible mark. He gained recognition for his involvement in cases stemming from the government's anti-terrorism efforts, often placing him in opposition to the George W. Bush administration.

Empowering Civil Liberties

One of his notable decisions came in 2007, when he extended habeas corpus rights to Shawqi Ahmad Omar, a dual citizen of Jordan and the United States. This action prevented Omar from being transferred to Iraqi custody for trial as a terrorist.

Ricardo M. Urbina's legacy as a compassionate jurist and a record-breaking track star during the 1968 Olympics will continue to inspire generations to come.