Documents
Judge Robert Sweet Opinion
June 27, 2018
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 1 of 46
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
RAMON ALBERTO AREVALO LOPEZ,
Petitioner,
?against?
JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS et 31.,
Respondents.
A A A S:
Attorneys for Petitioner
THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY
199 Water Street, 3H1Floor
New York, NY 11201
By: Sarah T. Gillman, Esq.
Gregory P. Copeland, Esq.
Attorneys for Respondents
GEOFFREY S. BERMAN
United States Attorney for the
Southern District of New York
86 Chambers Street, 3K1Eioor
New York, NY 10007
By: Rachael L. Doud, Esq.
Michael J. Byars, Esq.
18 Civ. 4189 (RWS)
OPINION
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 1 of 46
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
RAMON ALBERTO AREVALO LOPEZ,
Petitioner,
?against?
JEFFERSON B. SESSIONS et 31.,
Respondents.
A A A S:
Attorneys for Petitioner
THE LEGAL AID SOCIETY
199 Water Street, 3H1Floor
New York, NY 11201
By: Sarah T. Gillman, Esq.
Gregory P. Copeland, Esq.
Attorneys for Respondents
GEOFFREY S. BERMAN
United States Attorney for the
Southern District of New York
86 Chambers Street, 3K1Eioor
New York, NY 10007
By: Rachael L. Doud, Esq.
Michael J. Byars, Esq.
18 Civ. 4189 (RWS)
OPINION
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 2 of 46
Sweet, D.J.
Petitioner Ramon Alberto Arevalo Lopez (?Petitioner,?
?Arevalo Lopez? or ?Lopez?) has petitioned for a writ of habeas
corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2241, 28 U.S.C 1651, and
Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, arising out of his detention
of over 200 days by the Respondents, the Attorney General of the
United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the New York
Field Office Director of the United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement the Director of the Executive
Office for Immigration Review and the United States
Department of Homeland Security (collectively, the
?Respondents?). Based upon the facts and conclusions set forth
below, the writ of habeas corpus is granted, and Arevalo Lopez
is released to the legal custody of Department of Health and
Human Services pursuant to the Sponsor Care Agreement
entered into by the Respondents and Rose America Lopez Lopez
(?Lopez Lopez?), the Petitioner?s mother.
The principles controlling the outcome of the instant
petition are those stated by the Court when addressing new
citizens upon their naturalization, that ?ours is a government
of laws, not of men,? and that personal liberty is guaranteed by
the great writ of habeas corpus, which ?secures every man here,
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 2 of 46
Sweet, D.J.
Petitioner Ramon Alberto Arevalo Lopez (?Petitioner,?
?Arevalo Lopez? or ?Lopez?) has petitioned for a writ of habeas
corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2241, 28 U.S.C 1651, and
Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, arising out of his detention
of over 200 days by the Respondents, the Attorney General of the
United States, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the New York
Field Office Director of the United States Immigration and
Customs Enforcement the Director of the Executive
Office for Immigration Review and the United States
Department of Homeland Security (collectively, the
?Respondents?). Based upon the facts and conclusions set forth
below, the writ of habeas corpus is granted, and Arevalo Lopez
is released to the legal custody of Department of Health and
Human Services pursuant to the Sponsor Care Agreement
entered into by the Respondents and Rose America Lopez Lopez
(?Lopez Lopez?), the Petitioner?s mother.
The principles controlling the outcome of the instant
petition are those stated by the Court when addressing new
citizens upon their naturalization, that ?ours is a government
of laws, not of men,? and that personal liberty is guaranteed by
the great writ of habeas corpus, which ?secures every man here,
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 3 of 46
alien or citizen, against everything which is not law, whatever
shape it may assume.?1 These principles are applied to remedy
what the Court perceives as a lacuna in the statutory scheme
controlling the admission and deportation of minor aliens who
attain majority after entering the country.
While this action is one of first impression, our
sister courts have provided considerable insight, having
adjudicated matters involving related, though distinguishable,
facts. See Ramirez v. 0.3. Immigration and Customs
No. 18 Civ. 508 (EC), 2018 WL 1882861 (D.D.C. April 18, 2018)
(granting preliminary injunction requiring defendants to
consider the least restrictive placements pursuant to 8 U.S.C.
1232(c)(2)(B) where unaccompanied alien children who reached
majority while in the physical custody of HHS were transferred
to adult detention without consideration of the least
restrictive placement); Saravia v. Sessions, 280 F. Supp. 3d
1168 (N.D. Cal. 2017) (granting habeas relief and preliminary
injunction requiring the government to either release
1 John Adams, Novanglus Papers, No. 7 (1774) (expressing the
notion that ours is a ?government of laws and not of men,? a
phrase that was incorporated into the Massachusetts
Constitution?s Bill of Rights in 1780); Letter from Thomas
Jefferson to A.H. Rowan (Sept. 26, Habeas Corpus
secures every man here, alien or citizen, against everything
which is not law, whatever shape it may
3
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 3 of 46
alien or citizen, against everything which is not law, whatever
shape it may assume.?1 These principles are applied to remedy
what the Court perceives as a lacuna in the statutory scheme
controlling the admission and deportation of minor aliens who
attain majority after entering the country.
While this action is one of first impression, our
sister courts have provided considerable insight, having
adjudicated matters involving related, though distinguishable,
facts. See Ramirez v. 0.3. Immigration and Customs
No. 18 Civ. 508 (EC), 2018 WL 1882861 (D.D.C. April 18, 2018)
(granting preliminary injunction requiring defendants to
consider the least restrictive placements pursuant to 8 U.S.C.
1232(c)(2)(B) where unaccompanied alien children who reached
majority while in the physical custody of HHS were transferred
to adult detention without consideration of the least
restrictive placement); Saravia v. Sessions, 280 F. Supp. 3d
1168 (N.D. Cal. 2017) (granting habeas relief and preliminary
injunction requiring the government to either release
1 John Adams, Novanglus Papers, No. 7 (1774) (expressing the
notion that ours is a ?government of laws and not of men,? a
phrase that was incorporated into the Massachusetts
Constitution?s Bill of Rights in 1780); Letter from Thomas
Jefferson to A.H. Rowan (Sept. 26, Habeas Corpus
secures every man here, alien or citizen, against everything
which is not law, whatever shape it may
3
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 4 of 46
petitioners or provide a prompt hearing when undocumented minors
are released to suitable sponsors by the ORR and subsequently
rearrested without probable cause).
I. Prior Proceedings
On May 10, 2018, the Petitioner filed his petition
(the ?Petition?) and an order to show cause seeking a hearing on
the Petition. The Petition set forth the facts surrounding the
arrival of Arevalo Lopez at age 17 in the United States on
December 8, 2016, his detention upon arrival, his release on
January 7, 2017 to the custody of his mother as an Unaccompanied
Alien Child his rearrest on October 24, 2017 and
detention in the Bergen County Jail to date. The Petition
alleges seven causes of action, including: violation of the
Administrative Procedures Act 5 U.S.C. by
disregarding the requirements of 8 U.S.C. l232(a)(2)(b);
violation of the Fourth Amendment by unreasonably seizing
Petitioner; violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth
Amendment by failing to provide procedural protections;
violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment by
detaining Petitioner without review; violation of the Due
Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment by engaging in an
arbitrary abuse of power; violation of the Due Process Clause of
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 4 of 46
petitioners or provide a prompt hearing when undocumented minors
are released to suitable sponsors by the ORR and subsequently
rearrested without probable cause).
I. Prior Proceedings
On May 10, 2018, the Petitioner filed his petition
(the ?Petition?) and an order to show cause seeking a hearing on
the Petition. The Petition set forth the facts surrounding the
arrival of Arevalo Lopez at age 17 in the United States on
December 8, 2016, his detention upon arrival, his release on
January 7, 2017 to the custody of his mother as an Unaccompanied
Alien Child his rearrest on October 24, 2017 and
detention in the Bergen County Jail to date. The Petition
alleges seven causes of action, including: violation of the
Administrative Procedures Act 5 U.S.C. by
disregarding the requirements of 8 U.S.C. l232(a)(2)(b);
violation of the Fourth Amendment by unreasonably seizing
Petitioner; violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth
Amendment by failing to provide procedural protections;
violation of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment by
detaining Petitioner without review; violation of the Due
Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment by engaging in an
arbitrary abuse of power; violation of the Due Process Clause of
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 5 of 46
the Fifth Amendment by detaining Petitioner with a lack of
probable cause; and violation of the Fifth Amendment by the
denial of a right to bail.
The Respondents? return was filed on May 21, 2018, and
a hearing was held on May 24, 2018, at which time the Petition
was marked fully submitted.
II. The Parties
Arevalo Lopez is a native citizen of El Salvador, born
in March 1999. See Gov?t Return Ex. A (Form 1?213) at 1. On
December 8, 2016, Arevalo Lopez arrived at the port of entry
along the United States?Mexico border at Calexico, California
Id. He had no visa or other document that would permit his
admission into the United States. Id. at 2. Lopez told U.S.
Customs Border Protection agents that he wanted to
travel to New York to live with his mother after fleeing gang
threats in his home country. See Pet. EX. 2, Asylum Application.
At the time of Arevalo Lopez?s entry to the United
States he was 17 years old and properly designated as a UAC by
CBP. Pursuant to the Trafficking and Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act Arevalo Lopez was transferred to
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 5 of 46
the Fifth Amendment by detaining Petitioner with a lack of
probable cause; and violation of the Fifth Amendment by the
denial of a right to bail.
The Respondents? return was filed on May 21, 2018, and
a hearing was held on May 24, 2018, at which time the Petition
was marked fully submitted.
II. The Parties
Arevalo Lopez is a native citizen of El Salvador, born
in March 1999. See Gov?t Return Ex. A (Form 1?213) at 1. On
December 8, 2016, Arevalo Lopez arrived at the port of entry
along the United States?Mexico border at Calexico, California
Id. He had no visa or other document that would permit his
admission into the United States. Id. at 2. Lopez told U.S.
Customs Border Protection agents that he wanted to
travel to New York to live with his mother after fleeing gang
threats in his home country. See Pet. EX. 2, Asylum Application.
At the time of Arevalo Lopez?s entry to the United
States he was 17 years old and properly designated as a UAC by
CBP. Pursuant to the Trafficking and Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act Arevalo Lopez was transferred to
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 6 of 46
the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement which
is an office within the HHS. See 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(3), 6 U.S.C.
279; see Pet. Ex. 3, ORR Verification Letter. Lopez lived with
his mother, her partner, and his older brother, Balmore
Alexander Reyes Lopez, in Huntington Station, NY until his
detention on October 24, 2017.
Respondent Jefferson B. Sessions is named in his
official capacity as the Attorney General of the United States
(the ?Attorney General?). In this capacity, he is responsible
for the administration of the immigration laws as exercised by
EOIR. Respondent Kirstjen Nielsen is named in her official
capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security in the DHS (the
?Secretary?). In this capacity, she is responsible for the
administration of the immigration laws. Respondent Thomas Decker
is named in his official capacity as the Field Office Director
of the New York Field Office for ICE within the DHS (the
?Director?). In this capacity, he is responsible for the
administration of immigration laws and the execution of
detention and removal determinations and is a legal custodian of
Petitioner.
Respondent James McHenry is named in his official
capacity as Acting Director of the EOIR (the ?Acting Director?).
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 6 of 46
the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement which
is an office within the HHS. See 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(3), 6 U.S.C.
279; see Pet. Ex. 3, ORR Verification Letter. Lopez lived with
his mother, her partner, and his older brother, Balmore
Alexander Reyes Lopez, in Huntington Station, NY until his
detention on October 24, 2017.
Respondent Jefferson B. Sessions is named in his
official capacity as the Attorney General of the United States
(the ?Attorney General?). In this capacity, he is responsible
for the administration of the immigration laws as exercised by
EOIR. Respondent Kirstjen Nielsen is named in her official
capacity as Secretary of Homeland Security in the DHS (the
?Secretary?). In this capacity, she is responsible for the
administration of the immigration laws. Respondent Thomas Decker
is named in his official capacity as the Field Office Director
of the New York Field Office for ICE within the DHS (the
?Director?). In this capacity, he is responsible for the
administration of immigration laws and the execution of
detention and removal determinations and is a legal custodian of
Petitioner.
Respondent James McHenry is named in his official
capacity as Acting Director of the EOIR (the ?Acting Director?).
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 7 of 46
In this capacity, he is responsible for the administration of
the immigration laws pursuant to 8 C.F.R. He is
responsible for the direction and supervision of the Office of
the Chief Immigration Judge, including the Immigration Courts at
26 Federal Plaza. Respondent DHS is the federal agency
responsible for enforcing Petitioner?s continued detention
pending his removal proceedings.
The Facts
After his arrival at Calexico, on December 9, 2016,
CBP issued a Notice to Appear (the ?Notice?) placing Arevalo
Lopez in removal proceedings and charging him as removable,
pursuant to Immigration and Nationality Act
8 U.S.C. as an
arriving alien who lacked a valid visa. Gov?t Return Ex. B.
Notice to Appear. Because Arevalo Lopez was under eighteen years
old, CBP designated him a UAC and turned him over to ORR, an
office within HHS that is responsible for the care and custody
of UACs. Gov?t Return EX. Petition EX. 3. On January 7, 2017,
ORR released Arevalo Lopez into the custody of his mother in New
York pursuant to the Flores Settlement, 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(3) of
the TVPRA and 6 U.S.C. 279 (the ?Sponsorship Agreement?).
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 7 of 46
In this capacity, he is responsible for the administration of
the immigration laws pursuant to 8 C.F.R. He is
responsible for the direction and supervision of the Office of
the Chief Immigration Judge, including the Immigration Courts at
26 Federal Plaza. Respondent DHS is the federal agency
responsible for enforcing Petitioner?s continued detention
pending his removal proceedings.
The Facts
After his arrival at Calexico, on December 9, 2016,
CBP issued a Notice to Appear (the ?Notice?) placing Arevalo
Lopez in removal proceedings and charging him as removable,
pursuant to Immigration and Nationality Act
8 U.S.C. as an
arriving alien who lacked a valid visa. Gov?t Return Ex. B.
Notice to Appear. Because Arevalo Lopez was under eighteen years
old, CBP designated him a UAC and turned him over to ORR, an
office within HHS that is responsible for the care and custody
of UACs. Gov?t Return EX. Petition EX. 3. On January 7, 2017,
ORR released Arevalo Lopez into the custody of his mother in New
York pursuant to the Flores Settlement, 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(3) of
the TVPRA and 6 U.S.C. 279 (the ?Sponsorship Agreement?).
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 8 of 46
For over ten months without incident, Arevalo Lopez
lived with his mother, her partner, and his older brother,
Balmore Alexander Reyes Lopez, in Huntington Station, New York.
He also attended the 9H1grade at the Huntington Station High
School. See Pet. EX. 1, School Verification Letter. In March of
2017, Arevalo Lopez turned eighteen while living with his mother
in Huntington Station, New York. See Gov?t Return Ex. A (Form 1?
213). Arevalo Lopez has no criminal history; he has never been
Charged with a crime in this country or any other. See Pet. at
2.
Arevalo Lopez was placed in immigration removal
proceedings and attended all of his court dates at 26 Federal
Plaza, New York, NY prior to his detention by ICE, on October
24, 2017. He attended his first master hearing at 26 Federal
Plaza on August 10, 2017, where pleadings were conducted and his
previous counsel indicated that she would be filing a
guardianship petition in the Family Court to begin the process
for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and was considering
applying for asylum. His next appearance before the Immigration
Court at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY was scheduled to take
place in January 2018. See Pet. Ex. 12, Notice to Appear
.
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 8 of 46
For over ten months without incident, Arevalo Lopez
lived with his mother, her partner, and his older brother,
Balmore Alexander Reyes Lopez, in Huntington Station, New York.
He also attended the 9H1grade at the Huntington Station High
School. See Pet. EX. 1, School Verification Letter. In March of
2017, Arevalo Lopez turned eighteen while living with his mother
in Huntington Station, New York. See Gov?t Return Ex. A (Form 1?
213). Arevalo Lopez has no criminal history; he has never been
Charged with a crime in this country or any other. See Pet. at
2.
Arevalo Lopez was placed in immigration removal
proceedings and attended all of his court dates at 26 Federal
Plaza, New York, NY prior to his detention by ICE, on October
24, 2017. He attended his first master hearing at 26 Federal
Plaza on August 10, 2017, where pleadings were conducted and his
previous counsel indicated that she would be filing a
guardianship petition in the Family Court to begin the process
for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status and was considering
applying for asylum. His next appearance before the Immigration
Court at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY was scheduled to take
place in January 2018. See Pet. Ex. 12, Notice to Appear
.
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 9 of 46
Arevalo Lopez?s mother filed a guardianship petition
on his behalf in the Suffolk Family Court, which was granted on
March 26, 2018. Id.
According to Petitioner?s counsel, on October 24,
2017, ICE agents came to the Huntington house and asked him to
come to 26 Federal Plaza for an interview Pet. Ex. 8. According
to counsel, Petitioner was questioned about gang membership and
affiliations, which he denied. After questioning he was arrested
and has since been detained at the Bergen County Jail, in its
general prison population. Pet. Ex. 10.
Little evidence has been adduced with respect to the
Bergen County Jail and its population, programs, or facilities.
According to his counsel, Petitioner is held in ?in conditions
identical to those of county jail inmates serving criminal
sentences.? Pet. at 1. In jail, Arevalo Lopez has suffered
anxiety, fear, and inability to sleep. His development as an
adolescent and his mental health has been affected. Pet. EX. 9.
Because of distance and resources, his mother has not been able
to travel to the Bergen County Jail. Id.
No evidence has been adduced to suggest that a
deliberative process was undertaken with respect to the rearrest
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 9 of 46
Arevalo Lopez?s mother filed a guardianship petition
on his behalf in the Suffolk Family Court, which was granted on
March 26, 2018. Id.
According to Petitioner?s counsel, on October 24,
2017, ICE agents came to the Huntington house and asked him to
come to 26 Federal Plaza for an interview Pet. Ex. 8. According
to counsel, Petitioner was questioned about gang membership and
affiliations, which he denied. After questioning he was arrested
and has since been detained at the Bergen County Jail, in its
general prison population. Pet. Ex. 10.
Little evidence has been adduced with respect to the
Bergen County Jail and its population, programs, or facilities.
According to his counsel, Petitioner is held in ?in conditions
identical to those of county jail inmates serving criminal
sentences.? Pet. at 1. In jail, Arevalo Lopez has suffered
anxiety, fear, and inability to sleep. His development as an
adolescent and his mental health has been affected. Pet. EX. 9.
Because of distance and resources, his mother has not been able
to travel to the Bergen County Jail. Id.
No evidence has been adduced to suggest that a
deliberative process was undertaken with respect to the rearrest
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 10 of 46
of Arevalo Lopez, other than the issuance of a Form 1?200
administrative warrant for arrest. See ECF No. 9, Response
Memorandum at 4.
On February 26, 2018, counsel for Arevalo Lopez
submitted a Motion to Schedule Bond Hearing contending that he
is not properly subject to mandatory detention as a UAC, and
that even if he was, UACs are afforded special protections and
must be released in most circumstances and that he is not a
flight risk nor a danger to the community, and that he was
entitled to a hearing pursuant to Saravia v. Sessions. 17 Civ.
3615 VG, 2017 WL 5569838 (N.D. Cal. NOV. 20, 2017).
On March 1, 2018, at a master hearing, counsel
presented these contentions. Immigration Judge Lauren Farber
denied the bond request on the ground that as Arevalo Lopez was
an arriving alien, she lacked jurisdiction to hold a bond
hearing. On March 15, 2018 his parole request was denied.
On March 23, 2018, counsel submitted a Supplemental
Argument again arguing that UACs are materially distinct from
arriving aliens and, thus, a UAC cannot be designated an
arriving alien.
10
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 10 of 46
of Arevalo Lopez, other than the issuance of a Form 1?200
administrative warrant for arrest. See ECF No. 9, Response
Memorandum at 4.
On February 26, 2018, counsel for Arevalo Lopez
submitted a Motion to Schedule Bond Hearing contending that he
is not properly subject to mandatory detention as a UAC, and
that even if he was, UACs are afforded special protections and
must be released in most circumstances and that he is not a
flight risk nor a danger to the community, and that he was
entitled to a hearing pursuant to Saravia v. Sessions. 17 Civ.
3615 VG, 2017 WL 5569838 (N.D. Cal. NOV. 20, 2017).
On March 1, 2018, at a master hearing, counsel
presented these contentions. Immigration Judge Lauren Farber
denied the bond request on the ground that as Arevalo Lopez was
an arriving alien, she lacked jurisdiction to hold a bond
hearing. On March 15, 2018 his parole request was denied.
On March 23, 2018, counsel submitted a Supplemental
Argument again arguing that UACs are materially distinct from
arriving aliens and, thus, a UAC cannot be designated an
arriving alien.
10
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On April 5, 2018, at a master hearing, Judge Farber
again indicated that she has no jurisdiction to hold a bond
hearing.
On May 7, 2018, Arevalo Lopez filed an application for
asylum and withholding of removal.
IV. The Applicable Provisions
All issues with respect to immigration,
naturalization, admission, and removal of aliens stem from
Congressional action undergirded by constitutional requirements.
Congress has established the requirements for
admission of aliens that arrive at the border without
authorization to enter. See 8 U.S.C. 1225. This regime differs
from that which applies to aliens who have lawfully entered the
country or who have entered the country without inspection. See
id. 1226. Section 1225 provides that aliens who arrive at the
nation?s borders are deemed ?applicants for admission, and must
be inspected by an immigration official before being granted
admission. Id. 1225(a)(l)(3). Under Section 1225(b), ?if the
examining immigration officer determines that an alien seeking
admission is not clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be
13.
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 11 of 46
On April 5, 2018, at a master hearing, Judge Farber
again indicated that she has no jurisdiction to hold a bond
hearing.
On May 7, 2018, Arevalo Lopez filed an application for
asylum and withholding of removal.
IV. The Applicable Provisions
All issues with respect to immigration,
naturalization, admission, and removal of aliens stem from
Congressional action undergirded by constitutional requirements.
Congress has established the requirements for
admission of aliens that arrive at the border without
authorization to enter. See 8 U.S.C. 1225. This regime differs
from that which applies to aliens who have lawfully entered the
country or who have entered the country without inspection. See
id. 1226. Section 1225 provides that aliens who arrive at the
nation?s borders are deemed ?applicants for admission, and must
be inspected by an immigration official before being granted
admission. Id. 1225(a)(l)(3). Under Section 1225(b), ?if the
examining immigration officer determines that an alien seeking
admission is not clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be
13.
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 12 of 46
admitted, the alien shall be detained for a proceeding under
section 1229(a) of this title a removal proceeding].? Id.
1225(b)(2)(A).
Under this statutory scheme, an immigration judge ?may
not? conduct a bond hearing to determine whether an arriving
alien should be released into the United States during removal
proceedings. 8 C.F.R. However, aliens
seeking admission who are detained under 8 U.S.C.
1225(b)(2)(A) may be released from custody pursuant to DHS's
discretionary parole authority. See 8 U.S.C. ll82(d)(5)(A).
Parole may be granted for ?urgent humanitarian reasons? or
?significant public benefit,? id., provided the alien poses
neither a security risk nor a threat of absconding. See 8 C.F.R.
Such parole is entirely at the agency?s
discretion and may be revoked at its discretion. See 8 U.S.C.
1182(d)(5)(A).
Before 2002, the care and placement of unaccompanied
alien children in the United States was the responsibility of
the Office of Juvenile Affairs in the former Immigration and
Naturalization Service See F.L. V. Thompson, 293 F.
Supp.2d 86, 96 (D.D.C. 2003). In 2002, Congress enacted the
Homeland Security Act Pub. L. No. 107?296, 116 Stat.
12
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 12 of 46
admitted, the alien shall be detained for a proceeding under
section 1229(a) of this title a removal proceeding].? Id.
1225(b)(2)(A).
Under this statutory scheme, an immigration judge ?may
not? conduct a bond hearing to determine whether an arriving
alien should be released into the United States during removal
proceedings. 8 C.F.R. However, aliens
seeking admission who are detained under 8 U.S.C.
1225(b)(2)(A) may be released from custody pursuant to DHS's
discretionary parole authority. See 8 U.S.C. ll82(d)(5)(A).
Parole may be granted for ?urgent humanitarian reasons? or
?significant public benefit,? id., provided the alien poses
neither a security risk nor a threat of absconding. See 8 C.F.R.
Such parole is entirely at the agency?s
discretion and may be revoked at its discretion. See 8 U.S.C.
1182(d)(5)(A).
Before 2002, the care and placement of unaccompanied
alien children in the United States was the responsibility of
the Office of Juvenile Affairs in the former Immigration and
Naturalization Service See F.L. V. Thompson, 293 F.
Supp.2d 86, 96 (D.D.C. 2003). In 2002, Congress enacted the
Homeland Security Act Pub. L. No. 107?296, 116 Stat.
12
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 13 of 46
2153. The HSA_created DHS, and transferred most immigration
functions formerly performed by INS to the newly formed DHS and
its components, including the eventually?named U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services CBP, and ICE. See Department
of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan Modification of January
30, 2003, H.R. Doc. No. 108?32 (2003) (also set forth as a note
to 6 U.S.C. 542).
Congress transferred to ORR, within HHS, the
responsibility for the care of UACs ?who are in Federal custody
by reason of their immigration status.? 6 U.S.C. 279(a),
The HSA defined an ?unaccompanied alien child? as a
child who: (A) has no lawful immigration status in the United
States; (B) has not attained 18 years of age; and (C) with
respect to whom there is no parent or legal guardian in
the United States; or (ii) no parent or legal guardian in the
United States is available to provide care and physical custody.
Id. 279(g)(2). Congress also transferred to ORR the
responsibility for making all placement decisions for UACS and
required ORR to coordinate those placement decisions with DHS
and ensure that UACs are not released upon their own
recognizance. See id. (D),
13
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 13 of 46
2153. The HSA_created DHS, and transferred most immigration
functions formerly performed by INS to the newly formed DHS and
its components, including the eventually?named U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services CBP, and ICE. See Department
of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan Modification of January
30, 2003, H.R. Doc. No. 108?32 (2003) (also set forth as a note
to 6 U.S.C. 542).
Congress transferred to ORR, within HHS, the
responsibility for the care of UACs ?who are in Federal custody
by reason of their immigration status.? 6 U.S.C. 279(a),
The HSA defined an ?unaccompanied alien child? as a
child who: (A) has no lawful immigration status in the United
States; (B) has not attained 18 years of age; and (C) with
respect to whom there is no parent or legal guardian in
the United States; or (ii) no parent or legal guardian in the
United States is available to provide care and physical custody.
Id. 279(g)(2). Congress also transferred to ORR the
responsibility for making all placement decisions for UACS and
required ORR to coordinate those placement decisions with DHS
and ensure that UACs are not released upon their own
recognizance. See id. (D),
13
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 14 of 46
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
which was signed into law on December 23, 2008,
required that ?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien
children, including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate, shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of
Health and Human Services,? under whose purview the ORR
operates. 8 U.S.C. l232(b)(l). It also required that:
Except in the case of exceptional circumstances, any
department or agency of the Federal Government that
has an unaccompanied alien child in custody shall
transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services not later than 72 hours
after determining that such child is an unaccompanied
alien child.
Id. 1232(b)(3). Under the TVPRA, HHS is responsible for all
placement decisions for UACs in its custody, and for conducting
suitability assessments pertaining to those placements. Id.
1232(c). It requires that UACs in HHS custody be
placed in the least restrictive setting that is in the best
interest of the child,? subject to considerations of danger to
self, danger to community, and risk of flight. Id. The statute
limits placement in a secure facility to children who have been
determined to pose a danger to self or others or have been
charged with crimes. Id.
14
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 14 of 46
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
which was signed into law on December 23, 2008,
required that ?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien
children, including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate, shall be the responsibility of the Secretary of
Health and Human Services,? under whose purview the ORR
operates. 8 U.S.C. l232(b)(l). It also required that:
Except in the case of exceptional circumstances, any
department or agency of the Federal Government that
has an unaccompanied alien child in custody shall
transfer the custody of such child to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services not later than 72 hours
after determining that such child is an unaccompanied
alien child.
Id. 1232(b)(3). Under the TVPRA, HHS is responsible for all
placement decisions for UACs in its custody, and for conducting
suitability assessments pertaining to those placements. Id.
1232(c). It requires that UACs in HHS custody be
placed in the least restrictive setting that is in the best
interest of the child,? subject to considerations of danger to
self, danger to community, and risk of flight. Id. The statute
limits placement in a secure facility to children who have been
determined to pose a danger to self or others or have been
charged with crimes. Id.
14
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 15 of 46
In 1997, the United States entered into a settlement,
known as the Flores Settlement Agreement (?Flores? or ?Flores
Settlement?), which established a ?nationwide policy for the
detention, release, and treatment of minors in the custody of
the Flores v. Sessions, 862 F.3d 863, 866 (9th Cir. 2017).
The Flores Settlement set minimum standards for the detention,
housing, and release of non?citizen juveniles who were detained
by the government and obliged the government to pursue a
?general policy favoring release? of such juveniles. Id. The
settlement also provided that minors in deportation proceedings
would be afforded a bond redetermination hearing before an
immigration judge. Id. Finally, the settlement defined a ?minor?
as ?any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who is
detained in the legal custody of the Id. at 869.
In 2013, the TVPRA was amended as to minors who reach
the age of eighteen after entry into the U.S., evidencing
congressional intent to repeal, in part, 8 C.F.R. 1003.19
(mandatory detention of arriving aliens). The amendment follows:
SEC. 1261. APPROPRIATE CUSTODIAL SETTINGS FOR
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS WHO REACH THE AGE OF MAJORITY
WHILE IN FEDERAL CUSTODY. Section 235(c)(2) the
William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)) is
amended by striking ?Subject to? and inserting
the following: MINORS IN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
15
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 15 of 46
In 1997, the United States entered into a settlement,
known as the Flores Settlement Agreement (?Flores? or ?Flores
Settlement?), which established a ?nationwide policy for the
detention, release, and treatment of minors in the custody of
the Flores v. Sessions, 862 F.3d 863, 866 (9th Cir. 2017).
The Flores Settlement set minimum standards for the detention,
housing, and release of non?citizen juveniles who were detained
by the government and obliged the government to pursue a
?general policy favoring release? of such juveniles. Id. The
settlement also provided that minors in deportation proceedings
would be afforded a bond redetermination hearing before an
immigration judge. Id. Finally, the settlement defined a ?minor?
as ?any person under the age of eighteen (18) years who is
detained in the legal custody of the Id. at 869.
In 2013, the TVPRA was amended as to minors who reach
the age of eighteen after entry into the U.S., evidencing
congressional intent to repeal, in part, 8 C.F.R. 1003.19
(mandatory detention of arriving aliens). The amendment follows:
SEC. 1261. APPROPRIATE CUSTODIAL SETTINGS FOR
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS WHO REACH THE AGE OF MAJORITY
WHILE IN FEDERAL CUSTODY. Section 235(c)(2) the
William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection
Reauthorization Act of 2008 (8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)) is
amended by striking ?Subject to? and inserting
the following: MINORS IN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
15
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 16 of 46
HUMAN SERVICES CUSTODY. Subject to?; and (2) by
adding at the end the following: ALIENS
TRANSFERRED FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTODY.
If a minor described in subparagraph (A) reaches 18
years of age and is transferred to the custody of the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall
consider placement in the least restrictive setting
available after taking into account the alien?s danger
to self, danger to the community, and risk of flight.
Such aliens shall be eligible to participate in
alternative to detention programs, utilizing a
continuum of alternatives based on the alien?s need
for supervision, which may include placement of the
alien with an individual or an organizational sponsor,
or in a supervised group home."
See Senate Bill 47, passed into law on Mar. 7. 2013
(emphasis added).
V. The Applicable Standard
Lopez brings this petition for a writ of habeas corpus
under 28 U.S.C. 2241, challenging the constitutionality of his
detention. Section 2241 ?authorizes a district court to grant a
writ of habeas corpus whenever a petitioner is ?in custody in
violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United
States.?? wang V. Ashcroft, 320 F.3d 130, 140 (2d Cir. 2003)
(quoting 28 U.S.C. 2241(c)(3)). Federal courts have
jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus claims by non?citizens
challenging the constitutionality of their detention. Demore v.
Kim, 538 U.S. 510, 516~l7 (2003). ?[J]urisdiction over [28
l6
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 16 of 46
HUMAN SERVICES CUSTODY. Subject to?; and (2) by
adding at the end the following: ALIENS
TRANSFERRED FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTODY.
If a minor described in subparagraph (A) reaches 18
years of age and is transferred to the custody of the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall
consider placement in the least restrictive setting
available after taking into account the alien?s danger
to self, danger to the community, and risk of flight.
Such aliens shall be eligible to participate in
alternative to detention programs, utilizing a
continuum of alternatives based on the alien?s need
for supervision, which may include placement of the
alien with an individual or an organizational sponsor,
or in a supervised group home."
See Senate Bill 47, passed into law on Mar. 7. 2013
(emphasis added).
V. The Applicable Standard
Lopez brings this petition for a writ of habeas corpus
under 28 U.S.C. 2241, challenging the constitutionality of his
detention. Section 2241 ?authorizes a district court to grant a
writ of habeas corpus whenever a petitioner is ?in custody in
violation of the Constitution or laws or treaties of the United
States.?? wang V. Ashcroft, 320 F.3d 130, 140 (2d Cir. 2003)
(quoting 28 U.S.C. 2241(c)(3)). Federal courts have
jurisdiction to hear habeas corpus claims by non?citizens
challenging the constitutionality of their detention. Demore v.
Kim, 538 U.S. 510, 516~l7 (2003). ?[J]urisdiction over [28
l6
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 17 of 46
2241 [habeas] petitions is properly limited to purely
legal statutory and constitutional claims and does not extend to
review of discretionary determinations? by immigration judges.
Chen V. United States Dep?t of Jastice, 434 F.3d 144, 153 n.5
(2d Cir. 2006) (second and third alteration in original).
Arevalo Lopez argues that he is not properly subject
to mandatory detention pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1225(b). Section
1225(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code governs the
inspection of aliens seeking admission into the United States, a
classification sometimes termed ?arriving alien.? See 8 C.F.R.
1001.1 (?The term arriving alien means an applicant for
admission coming or attempting to come into the United States at
a Section 1225(b)(2)(A) authorizes the
detention of arriving aliens if ?the examining immigration
officer determines that an alien seeking admission is not
clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted . . . for a
[removal] proceeding under section 1229(a) of this title.? 8
U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(A).
However, persons under the age of eighteen at the time
of entering the United States are subject to a separate regime,
maintained by the ORR, within the HHS. Specifically, pursuant to
6 U.S.C. 279(b)(1), ORR makes all placement decisions
17
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 17 of 46
2241 [habeas] petitions is properly limited to purely
legal statutory and constitutional claims and does not extend to
review of discretionary determinations? by immigration judges.
Chen V. United States Dep?t of Jastice, 434 F.3d 144, 153 n.5
(2d Cir. 2006) (second and third alteration in original).
Arevalo Lopez argues that he is not properly subject
to mandatory detention pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1225(b). Section
1225(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code governs the
inspection of aliens seeking admission into the United States, a
classification sometimes termed ?arriving alien.? See 8 C.F.R.
1001.1 (?The term arriving alien means an applicant for
admission coming or attempting to come into the United States at
a Section 1225(b)(2)(A) authorizes the
detention of arriving aliens if ?the examining immigration
officer determines that an alien seeking admission is not
clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted . . . for a
[removal] proceeding under section 1229(a) of this title.? 8
U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(A).
However, persons under the age of eighteen at the time
of entering the United States are subject to a separate regime,
maintained by the ORR, within the HHS. Specifically, pursuant to
6 U.S.C. 279(b)(1), ORR makes all placement decisions
17
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 18 of 46
involving UACs to ensure they are not released on their own
recognizance. 6 U.S.C. Section
1232(c) of Title 8 of the United States Code, the TVPRA,
requires that UACs in HHS custody be placed in the
least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the
child," subject to considerations of danger to self, danger to
the community, or risk of flight, and limits placement in a
secure facility to children who have been determined to pose a
danger to self or others, or who have been charged with crimes.
Id. Section 1261 amended the TVPRA with reference to UACs who
reach the age of eighteen after entering the US, and while ?in
custody.? 8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)(8). (?If a minor
reaches 18 years of age and is transferred to the custody of the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall consider
placement in the least restrictive setting available after
taking into account the alien's danger to self, danger to the
community, and risk of flight.") (emphasis added). The
amendment, in full, is set forth above.
VI. The Writ Shall Issue
The writ of habeas corpus is granted and Petitioner
will be released from Bergen County Jail. At least two separate
and distinct grounds support this result: First, arrest of
18
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 18 of 46
involving UACs to ensure they are not released on their own
recognizance. 6 U.S.C. Section
1232(c) of Title 8 of the United States Code, the TVPRA,
requires that UACs in HHS custody be placed in the
least restrictive setting that is in the best interest of the
child," subject to considerations of danger to self, danger to
the community, or risk of flight, and limits placement in a
secure facility to children who have been determined to pose a
danger to self or others, or who have been charged with crimes.
Id. Section 1261 amended the TVPRA with reference to UACs who
reach the age of eighteen after entering the US, and while ?in
custody.? 8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)(8). (?If a minor
reaches 18 years of age and is transferred to the custody of the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary shall consider
placement in the least restrictive setting available after
taking into account the alien's danger to self, danger to the
community, and risk of flight.") (emphasis added). The
amendment, in full, is set forth above.
VI. The Writ Shall Issue
The writ of habeas corpus is granted and Petitioner
will be released from Bergen County Jail. At least two separate
and distinct grounds support this result: First, arrest of
18
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 19 of 46
Petitioner in the absence of process violates both the TVPRA, as
amended, and the Second, Arevalo Lopez?s deprivation of
liberty, without a due process determination, violates the Fifth
Amendment?s Due Process Clause. The conclusions which follow
result in the grant of the great writ of habeas corpus as
Petitioner ?is in custody in violation of the Constitution or
laws or treaties of the United States.? See 28 U.S.C.
2241(c)(3).
a.Violation of the ABA
Under the Administrative Procedures Act, a ?final
agency action for which there is no other adequate remedy in a
court [is] subject to judicial review.? 5 U.S.C. 704. The
reviewing court ?shall . . . hold unlawful and set aside agency
action, findings, and conclusions found to be . . . arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in
accordance with law,? or ?unsupported by substantial evidence.?
5 U.S.C. (E).
The Supreme Court explained in Bowen v. Massachusetts
that judicial review of administrative actions ?should not be
construed to defeat the central purpose of providing a broad
spectrum_of judicial review of agency action? and that any
19
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 19 of 46
Petitioner in the absence of process violates both the TVPRA, as
amended, and the Second, Arevalo Lopez?s deprivation of
liberty, without a due process determination, violates the Fifth
Amendment?s Due Process Clause. The conclusions which follow
result in the grant of the great writ of habeas corpus as
Petitioner ?is in custody in violation of the Constitution or
laws or treaties of the United States.? See 28 U.S.C.
2241(c)(3).
a.Violation of the ABA
Under the Administrative Procedures Act, a ?final
agency action for which there is no other adequate remedy in a
court [is] subject to judicial review.? 5 U.S.C. 704. The
reviewing court ?shall . . . hold unlawful and set aside agency
action, findings, and conclusions found to be . . . arbitrary,
capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in
accordance with law,? or ?unsupported by substantial evidence.?
5 U.S.C. (E).
The Supreme Court explained in Bowen v. Massachusetts
that judicial review of administrative actions ?should not be
construed to defeat the central purpose of providing a broad
spectrum_of judicial review of agency action? and that any
19
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 20 of 46
alternative remedy advanced by the agency will not be adequate
under 704 where the remedy offers only ?doubtful and limited
relief.? 487 U.S. 879, 901 (1988).
Petitioner, while in the custody of ORR, was assessed
as neither a danger to himself or others, nor a flight risk, and
was accordingly permitted to reside with his mother pursuant to
a Sponsorship Agreement entered into by the ORR, on behalf of
HHS, on January 7, 2017. Then, on October 24, 2017, without
notice, a hearing, or an on?the?record determination, Petitioner
was arrested by ICE officials from the Department of Homeland
Security. Petitioner has been detained in the Bergen County Jail
since that time.
i. Final Agency Action
Petitioner asserts that his arrest and subsequent
detention by ICE in October, 2017 was a ?final agency action?
reviewable by the Court, and that this arrest resulted in the
deprivation of his liberty in the absence of any pre?deprivation
notice or opportunity to be heard, in violation of the APA, the
Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, and the TVPRA. The
Court agrees.
20
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 20 of 46
alternative remedy advanced by the agency will not be adequate
under 704 where the remedy offers only ?doubtful and limited
relief.? 487 U.S. 879, 901 (1988).
Petitioner, while in the custody of ORR, was assessed
as neither a danger to himself or others, nor a flight risk, and
was accordingly permitted to reside with his mother pursuant to
a Sponsorship Agreement entered into by the ORR, on behalf of
HHS, on January 7, 2017. Then, on October 24, 2017, without
notice, a hearing, or an on?the?record determination, Petitioner
was arrested by ICE officials from the Department of Homeland
Security. Petitioner has been detained in the Bergen County Jail
since that time.
i. Final Agency Action
Petitioner asserts that his arrest and subsequent
detention by ICE in October, 2017 was a ?final agency action?
reviewable by the Court, and that this arrest resulted in the
deprivation of his liberty in the absence of any pre?deprivation
notice or opportunity to be heard, in violation of the APA, the
Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment, and the TVPRA. The
Court agrees.
20
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 21 of 46
Petitioner?s arrest constitutes an agency action
because DHS ?failed to take a discrete agency action that it is
required to take? by statute, namely the requirement that it
?consider placement in the least restrictive setting available
after taking into account the alien?s danger to self, danger to
the community, and risk of flight.? See Norton V. S. Utah
Wilderness All., 542 U.S. 55, 64 (2004) (emphasis original); 8
U.S.C. 1261. The transfer of custody from the ORR (HHS), under
whose supervision Lopez was living while on release during the
Sponsorship Agreement, to the DHS, is a particularized agency
action that ?marks consummation of the agency's decisionmaking
process." See Bennett V. Spear, 520 0.8. 154, 156 (1997). It is
the lack of procedure associated with this agency actionenamely
the detention of Lopez without consideration of the least
restrictive is the subject of the instant Petition.
As to finality of agency action, the ?core question?
is ?whether the agency has completed its decisionmaking process,
and whether the result of that process is one that will directly
affect the parties.? Lunney V. United States, 319 F.3d 550, 554
(2d Cir. 2003) (quoting Dalton v. Specter, 511 0.8. 462, 470
(1994)).
As a general matter, two conditions must be satisfied
for agency action to be final: First, the action must
mark the consummation of the agency?s decision?making
21
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 21 of 46
Petitioner?s arrest constitutes an agency action
because DHS ?failed to take a discrete agency action that it is
required to take? by statute, namely the requirement that it
?consider placement in the least restrictive setting available
after taking into account the alien?s danger to self, danger to
the community, and risk of flight.? See Norton V. S. Utah
Wilderness All., 542 U.S. 55, 64 (2004) (emphasis original); 8
U.S.C. 1261. The transfer of custody from the ORR (HHS), under
whose supervision Lopez was living while on release during the
Sponsorship Agreement, to the DHS, is a particularized agency
action that ?marks consummation of the agency's decisionmaking
process." See Bennett V. Spear, 520 0.8. 154, 156 (1997). It is
the lack of procedure associated with this agency actionenamely
the detention of Lopez without consideration of the least
restrictive is the subject of the instant Petition.
As to finality of agency action, the ?core question?
is ?whether the agency has completed its decisionmaking process,
and whether the result of that process is one that will directly
affect the parties.? Lunney V. United States, 319 F.3d 550, 554
(2d Cir. 2003) (quoting Dalton v. Specter, 511 0.8. 462, 470
(1994)).
As a general matter, two conditions must be satisfied
for agency action to be final: First, the action must
mark the consummation of the agency?s decision?making
21
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 22 of 46
process?it must not be of a merely tentative or
interlocutory nature. And second, the action must be
one by which rights or obligations have been
determined or from which legal consequences will flow.
Bennett, 520 0.8. at l77H78 (internal quotation marks and
citation omitted). The Supreme Court has provided that ?if an
agency has issued a definitive statement of its position,
determining the rights and obligations of the parties, the
agency's action is final notwithstanding the possibility of
further proceedings in the agency on related issues, so long as
judicial review at the time would not disrupt the administrative
process.? Sharkey v. Quarantillo, 541 F.3d 75, 88 (2d Cir. 2008)
(citing Bell v. New Jersey, 461 U.S. 773, 779?80 (1983))
(internal quotation marks and alterations omitted).
As a result of the failure to consider the least
restrictive setting following Lopez?s 2017 arrest, his legal
rights-namely the Fifth Amendment right to procedural, as well
as substantive, due procesthave been implicated; Immigration
Judge Farber?s denial of Lopez?s bond requestwand the ICE Office
of Chief Counsel?s refusal to reconsider the same?indicates that
the DHS ?has completed its decisionmaking process? with regard
to the imprisonment of Lopez. See Lunney v. United States, 319
F.3d 550, 554 (2d Cir. 2003); Pet. Ex. 8.
22
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 22 of 46
process?it must not be of a merely tentative or
interlocutory nature. And second, the action must be
one by which rights or obligations have been
determined or from which legal consequences will flow.
Bennett, 520 0.8. at l77H78 (internal quotation marks and
citation omitted). The Supreme Court has provided that ?if an
agency has issued a definitive statement of its position,
determining the rights and obligations of the parties, the
agency's action is final notwithstanding the possibility of
further proceedings in the agency on related issues, so long as
judicial review at the time would not disrupt the administrative
process.? Sharkey v. Quarantillo, 541 F.3d 75, 88 (2d Cir. 2008)
(citing Bell v. New Jersey, 461 U.S. 773, 779?80 (1983))
(internal quotation marks and alterations omitted).
As a result of the failure to consider the least
restrictive setting following Lopez?s 2017 arrest, his legal
rights-namely the Fifth Amendment right to procedural, as well
as substantive, due procesthave been implicated; Immigration
Judge Farber?s denial of Lopez?s bond requestwand the ICE Office
of Chief Counsel?s refusal to reconsider the same?indicates that
the DHS ?has completed its decisionmaking process? with regard
to the imprisonment of Lopez. See Lunney v. United States, 319
F.3d 550, 554 (2d Cir. 2003); Pet. Ex. 8.
22
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Because DHS detained Lopez without consideration of
the least restrictive setting, which would have resulted in
release from custody, the agency action implicates Petitioner?s
liberty. Id. (a final agency action is one that ?directly affect
the parties?). The final agency action by DHS, in arresting
Lopez without any procedure or consideration of the least
restrictive setting pursuant to the amended TVPRA, is properly
before this Court for judicial review under the APA.
ii. Violation of the TVPRA
Courts reviewing final agency actions ?shall
hold unlawful and set aside agency actions, findings, and
conclusions found to be?(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.? 5 U.S.C.
(emphasis added). Respondents? decision to re"
detain Lopez, which transferred him from HHS to custody
without consideration of the least restrictive setting, violates
the TVPRA as amended (8 U.S.C. ?1232 and defies
congressional intent.
Under the amended TVPRA, Lopez fits the statutorily
defined group of immigrant children?turned?adults to whom
Congress granted additional procedural safeguards. See 8 U.S.C.
23
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 23 of 46
Because DHS detained Lopez without consideration of
the least restrictive setting, which would have resulted in
release from custody, the agency action implicates Petitioner?s
liberty. Id. (a final agency action is one that ?directly affect
the parties?). The final agency action by DHS, in arresting
Lopez without any procedure or consideration of the least
restrictive setting pursuant to the amended TVPRA, is properly
before this Court for judicial review under the APA.
ii. Violation of the TVPRA
Courts reviewing final agency actions ?shall
hold unlawful and set aside agency actions, findings, and
conclusions found to be?(A) arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of
discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law.? 5 U.S.C.
(emphasis added). Respondents? decision to re"
detain Lopez, which transferred him from HHS to custody
without consideration of the least restrictive setting, violates
the TVPRA as amended (8 U.S.C. ?1232 and defies
congressional intent.
Under the amended TVPRA, Lopez fits the statutorily
defined group of immigrant children?turned?adults to whom
Congress granted additional procedural safeguards. See 8 U.S.C.
23
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 24 of 46
aliens shall be eligible to participate in
alternative to detention programs, utilizing a continuum of
alternatives based on the alien?s need for supervision . .
Section consideration of the ?least restrictive?
setting ?shall? be given to UACs who ?reach[] 18 years of age
and [are] transferred to the custody of the Id.; see
also Jennings v. Rodriguez, 138 830, 844 (2018) (?Unlike
the word ?may,? which implies discretion, the word ?shall?
usually connotes a
While it is clear that Petitioner is, today, in the
physical custody of the DHS, the question of whether he was in
the ?custody? of HHS during the term of the Sponsorship
Agreement such that the protections of 1232(c)(2)(B) apply is
one of first impression. It is a question the Court answers in
the affirmative.
Although Arevalo Lopez was not in physical custody
when he was arrested by DHS in 2017, ?custody? need not be
limited to a jail cell. See Jennings v. Rodriguez, 138
830, 873 (2004) (KENNEDY, J., dissenting) (?We have long
interpreted ?in custody' as not requiring that a prisoner be
physically Hensley v. Municipal Court, San Jese?
Milpitas JUdicial Dist., Santa Clara Cty., 411 U.S. 345, 349
24
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 24 of 46
aliens shall be eligible to participate in
alternative to detention programs, utilizing a continuum of
alternatives based on the alien?s need for supervision . .
Section consideration of the ?least restrictive?
setting ?shall? be given to UACs who ?reach[] 18 years of age
and [are] transferred to the custody of the Id.; see
also Jennings v. Rodriguez, 138 830, 844 (2018) (?Unlike
the word ?may,? which implies discretion, the word ?shall?
usually connotes a
While it is clear that Petitioner is, today, in the
physical custody of the DHS, the question of whether he was in
the ?custody? of HHS during the term of the Sponsorship
Agreement such that the protections of 1232(c)(2)(B) apply is
one of first impression. It is a question the Court answers in
the affirmative.
Although Arevalo Lopez was not in physical custody
when he was arrested by DHS in 2017, ?custody? need not be
limited to a jail cell. See Jennings v. Rodriguez, 138
830, 873 (2004) (KENNEDY, J., dissenting) (?We have long
interpreted ?in custody' as not requiring that a prisoner be
physically Hensley v. Municipal Court, San Jese?
Milpitas JUdicial Dist., Santa Clara Cty., 411 U.S. 345, 349
24
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 25 of 46
(1973) (finding, in the habeas context, that ?a person released
on bail or on his own recognizance? to be ?in custody.?)
Basic principles of statutory construction require
this Court to look first at the plain language of the TVPRA to
determine the meaning of ?custody" in Section 1232(c)(2)(b). See
Maine v. Thiboutot, 448 U.S. 1, 4 (1980) (looking first to the
?plain language of the statute," and next to its legislative
intent and history). The TVPRA, however, provides no definition
of ?custody.? The legislative intent and history must then guide
the analysis.
In 2002, Congress passed the HSA, dissolving the
Immigration and Naturalization Service, and entrusting the ?the
care and custody of all unaccompanied [alien] children,
including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate,? to the HHS, which in turn delegated authority to
ORR. See 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(1); 6 U.S.C. 279. Senator Kennedy
noted the change was intended to provide ?comprehensive services
to address the special needs of newcomer children . . . tailored
to address the[ir] cultural, linguistic, legal, and
developmental needs.? Flores v. Sessions, 862 F.3d 863, 880 (9th
Cir. 2017).
25
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 25 of 46
(1973) (finding, in the habeas context, that ?a person released
on bail or on his own recognizance? to be ?in custody.?)
Basic principles of statutory construction require
this Court to look first at the plain language of the TVPRA to
determine the meaning of ?custody" in Section 1232(c)(2)(b). See
Maine v. Thiboutot, 448 U.S. 1, 4 (1980) (looking first to the
?plain language of the statute," and next to its legislative
intent and history). The TVPRA, however, provides no definition
of ?custody.? The legislative intent and history must then guide
the analysis.
In 2002, Congress passed the HSA, dissolving the
Immigration and Naturalization Service, and entrusting the ?the
care and custody of all unaccompanied [alien] children,
including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate,? to the HHS, which in turn delegated authority to
ORR. See 8 U.S.C. 1232(b)(1); 6 U.S.C. 279. Senator Kennedy
noted the change was intended to provide ?comprehensive services
to address the special needs of newcomer children . . . tailored
to address the[ir] cultural, linguistic, legal, and
developmental needs.? Flores v. Sessions, 862 F.3d 863, 880 (9th
Cir. 2017).
25
Case DOCument 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 26 of 46
The 2013 amendment to the TVPRA requiring the release
of UACs who reach the age of eighteen after entry into the U.S.
indicates congressional intent to continue to protect vulnerable
young people past the age of eighteen.
Congress?s intent in amending the TVPRA was to protect
and care for minor children, particularly UACs. 8 U.S.C.
l232(b)(l) (?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien
children, including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate, shall be the responsibility of the
(emphasis added). For Section 1232(c)(2)(B) to protect only
minors who attain majority while in the physical custody of HHS,
but not those over whom the HHS exercises custodial and legal
control pursuant to sponsorship agreements, would run counter to
the spirit and purpose of the amendment. The protections of
Section 1232(c)(2)(B) therefore extend beyond those over whom
the HHS exercises physical custody; they apply to UACs who turn
eighteen while in the legal custody of the HHS and on release
pursuant to sponsorship agreements.
This outcome is especially appropriate because
least 65 percent of children admitted to care are
ultimately placed with a sponsor? pursuant to a Flores
26
Case DOCument 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 26 of 46
The 2013 amendment to the TVPRA requiring the release
of UACs who reach the age of eighteen after entry into the U.S.
indicates congressional intent to continue to protect vulnerable
young people past the age of eighteen.
Congress?s intent in amending the TVPRA was to protect
and care for minor children, particularly UACs. 8 U.S.C.
l232(b)(l) (?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien
children, including responsibility for their detention, where
appropriate, shall be the responsibility of the
(emphasis added). For Section 1232(c)(2)(B) to protect only
minors who attain majority while in the physical custody of HHS,
but not those over whom the HHS exercises custodial and legal
control pursuant to sponsorship agreements, would run counter to
the spirit and purpose of the amendment. The protections of
Section 1232(c)(2)(B) therefore extend beyond those over whom
the HHS exercises physical custody; they apply to UACs who turn
eighteen while in the legal custody of the HHS and on release
pursuant to sponsorship agreements.
This outcome is especially appropriate because
least 65 percent of children admitted to care are
ultimately placed with a sponsor? pursuant to a Flores
26
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 27 of 46
Settlement.?2 Adopting Respondent?s position, that Section
1232(c)(2)(B) only applies to minors who attain majority while
in the physical custody of HHS prior to DHS transfer, would
exclude the majority of UACS from the rewarrest protections of
1232(c)(2)(B), thus frustrating the clear purpose of the amended
TVPRA. See Troll Co. V. Uneeda Doll 00., 483 F.3d 150, 160 (2d
Cir. 2007) is an elemental principle of statutory
construction that an ambiguous statute must be construed to
avoid absurd
To the extent there is an irreconcilable conflict
between 1232(c)(2)(B) on the one hand, which provides for
release of adults who, like Lopez, reach majority while in HHS
custody, and 8 C.F.R. on the other, which
prohibits immigration judges from conducting bond hearings for
removable adults, the latter is impliedly revoked as
irreconcilable with, and older than, the former. See watt v.
Alaska, 451 0.8. 259, 266 (1981) (recognizing ?the maxim of
2 ?Approximately two?thirds (65 percent) of children admitted
into the agency?s custody from October 1, 2008 through
September 30, 2010, reunified with a sponsor and proceeded with
their legal case in immigration court after release.? Olga Bryne
Elise Miller, Ctr. on Immigration Justice, The Flow of
Unaccompanied Children Through the Immigration System: A
Resource for Practitioners, Policy Makers, and Researchers,
(2012), available at
2'7
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 27 of 46
Settlement.?2 Adopting Respondent?s position, that Section
1232(c)(2)(B) only applies to minors who attain majority while
in the physical custody of HHS prior to DHS transfer, would
exclude the majority of UACS from the rewarrest protections of
1232(c)(2)(B), thus frustrating the clear purpose of the amended
TVPRA. See Troll Co. V. Uneeda Doll 00., 483 F.3d 150, 160 (2d
Cir. 2007) is an elemental principle of statutory
construction that an ambiguous statute must be construed to
avoid absurd
To the extent there is an irreconcilable conflict
between 1232(c)(2)(B) on the one hand, which provides for
release of adults who, like Lopez, reach majority while in HHS
custody, and 8 C.F.R. on the other, which
prohibits immigration judges from conducting bond hearings for
removable adults, the latter is impliedly revoked as
irreconcilable with, and older than, the former. See watt v.
Alaska, 451 0.8. 259, 266 (1981) (recognizing ?the maxim of
2 ?Approximately two?thirds (65 percent) of children admitted
into the agency?s custody from October 1, 2008 through
September 30, 2010, reunified with a sponsor and proceeded with
their legal case in immigration court after release.? Olga Bryne
Elise Miller, Ctr. on Immigration Justice, The Flow of
Unaccompanied Children Through the Immigration System: A
Resource for Practitioners, Policy Makers, and Researchers,
(2012), available at
2'7
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 28 of 46
construction that the more recent of two irreconcilably
conflicting statutes governs?).
Under Section 1232(c)(2)(B), UACs who live with
sponsors under the Flores Settlement and the relevant provisions
of the TVPRA, are in the ?custody? of the HHS, such that the
protections of the amendment apply. The TVPRA, as amended,
requires DHS to ?consider placement in the least restrictive
setting? of UACs who attain majority while in HHS custody. 8
U.S.C. l232(c)(2)(B). Petitioner, who turned eighteen while on
physical release but in legal custody of the HHS, pursuant to a
Sponsorship Agreement, was deserving of such protection. The
failure of DHS to provide it constitutes a final agency action
that is ?not in accordance with the law,? and therefore
violative of the APA. 5 U.S.C. see also Ramirez v.
ICE, 2018 WL 1882861 at *19 (granting injunctive relief to UACs
who were transferred from HHS to DHS custody ?without
considering less restrictive placements in violation of 8 U.S.C.
Thus, the proper remedy is to hold ?unlawful
and set aside? the failure to consider the ?least
restrictive setting? for Aravelo Lopez. Accordingly, such a
consideration is warranted at this point. However, the more
comprehensive remedy provided by the writ of habeas corpus, as
28
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 28 of 46
construction that the more recent of two irreconcilably
conflicting statutes governs?).
Under Section 1232(c)(2)(B), UACs who live with
sponsors under the Flores Settlement and the relevant provisions
of the TVPRA, are in the ?custody? of the HHS, such that the
protections of the amendment apply. The TVPRA, as amended,
requires DHS to ?consider placement in the least restrictive
setting? of UACs who attain majority while in HHS custody. 8
U.S.C. l232(c)(2)(B). Petitioner, who turned eighteen while on
physical release but in legal custody of the HHS, pursuant to a
Sponsorship Agreement, was deserving of such protection. The
failure of DHS to provide it constitutes a final agency action
that is ?not in accordance with the law,? and therefore
violative of the APA. 5 U.S.C. see also Ramirez v.
ICE, 2018 WL 1882861 at *19 (granting injunctive relief to UACs
who were transferred from HHS to DHS custody ?without
considering less restrictive placements in violation of 8 U.S.C.
Thus, the proper remedy is to hold ?unlawful
and set aside? the failure to consider the ?least
restrictive setting? for Aravelo Lopez. Accordingly, such a
consideration is warranted at this point. However, the more
comprehensive remedy provided by the writ of habeas corpus, as
28
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 29 of 46
granted here and discussed infra, obviates the need for such a
consideration. 5 U.S.C. (E).
13.Violation of Due Process
As Petitioner notes, the Due Process Clause of the
Fifth Amendment protects both his substantive due process right
to be free from unjustified deprivations of liberty, and his
procedural due process right to a neutral forum in which to
contest his detention. These rights extend to both ?removable
and inadmissible? non?citizens. Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678,
690, 721 (2001). It is ?well established that the Fifth
Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation
proceedings.?? Demore v. Kim, 538 U.S. 510, 523 (2003) (quoting
Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292, 306 (1993)).
Due process requires ?adequate procedural protections?
to ensure that the government?s asserted justification for
physical confinement ?outweighs the individual's
constitutionally protected interest in avoiding physical
restraint.? Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678, 690 (2001)
(internal quotation marks omitted). In the immigration context,
the Supreme Court has recognized only two valid purposes for
29
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 29 of 46
granted here and discussed infra, obviates the need for such a
consideration. 5 U.S.C. (E).
13.Violation of Due Process
As Petitioner notes, the Due Process Clause of the
Fifth Amendment protects both his substantive due process right
to be free from unjustified deprivations of liberty, and his
procedural due process right to a neutral forum in which to
contest his detention. These rights extend to both ?removable
and inadmissible? non?citizens. Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678,
690, 721 (2001). It is ?well established that the Fifth
Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law in deportation
proceedings.?? Demore v. Kim, 538 U.S. 510, 523 (2003) (quoting
Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292, 306 (1993)).
Due process requires ?adequate procedural protections?
to ensure that the government?s asserted justification for
physical confinement ?outweighs the individual's
constitutionally protected interest in avoiding physical
restraint.? Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678, 690 (2001)
(internal quotation marks omitted). In the immigration context,
the Supreme Court has recognized only two valid purposes for
29
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 30 of 46
civil detention: to mitigate the risks of danger to the
community and to prevent flight. Id.; Demore, 538 U.S. at 528.
i. Procedural Due Process
The determination of what procedures are required
under the Fifth Amendment requires consideration of: (1) the
private interest that will be affected by the official action;
(2) the risk of erroneous deprivation of that interest through
the procedures used; and (3) the government?s interest,
including the fiscal and administrative burdens that the
additional or substitute procedures would entail. Mathews V.
Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 335 (1976).
As to the private interest at stake, Arevalo Lopez?s
interest in freedom from_imprisonment ?lies at the heart of the
liberty protected by the Due Process Clause.? Zadvydas v. Davis,
533 U.S. 678, 690 (2001). Lopez was deprived of his physical
liberty, which had previously been granted to him under the
Sponsorship Agreement. The liberty interest is clearly
established. Youngberg v. Romeo, 457 U.S. 307, 316
from bodily restraint always has been
recognized as the core of the liberty protected by the Due
Process Clause from arbitrary governmental action.?) (quoting
30
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 30 of 46
civil detention: to mitigate the risks of danger to the
community and to prevent flight. Id.; Demore, 538 U.S. at 528.
i. Procedural Due Process
The determination of what procedures are required
under the Fifth Amendment requires consideration of: (1) the
private interest that will be affected by the official action;
(2) the risk of erroneous deprivation of that interest through
the procedures used; and (3) the government?s interest,
including the fiscal and administrative burdens that the
additional or substitute procedures would entail. Mathews V.
Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319, 335 (1976).
As to the private interest at stake, Arevalo Lopez?s
interest in freedom from_imprisonment ?lies at the heart of the
liberty protected by the Due Process Clause.? Zadvydas v. Davis,
533 U.S. 678, 690 (2001). Lopez was deprived of his physical
liberty, which had previously been granted to him under the
Sponsorship Agreement. The liberty interest is clearly
established. Youngberg v. Romeo, 457 U.S. 307, 316
from bodily restraint always has been
recognized as the core of the liberty protected by the Due
Process Clause from arbitrary governmental action.?) (quoting
30
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 31 of 46
Greenholtz v. Nebraska Penal Inmates, 442 0.8. 1, 18 (1979
(Powell, J., concurring)).
Second, the risk of erroneous deprivation of Mr.
Lopez?s liberty interest is manifest. The release of
Arevalo Lopez to his mother required a determination that he was
neither a danger to himself or others and that it was
appropriate for him to reside with his mother under a
sponsorship agreement. See ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care
Agreement; see also Saravia V. Sessions, 280 F.Supp.3d 1168,
1177 (N.D. Cal. 2017) (?the minor?s placement with the sponsor
reflects a determination by the federal government that the
minor is neither dangerous nor a flight risk?). To date, the
only procedure to which Lopez has been afforded was the January
2017 ORR determination that he was ?neither dangerous nor a
flight risk.? See ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care Agreement.
Lopez?s October 2017 re?detention, in the absence of
any procedure or evidentiary findings, establishes the risk of
erroneous deprivation of a liberty interest. See Mathews v.
Eldridge, 424 0.8. 319, 335 (1976). The January 2017 finding
that Lopez was neither dangerous nor a flight risk is
irreconcilable with the decision to re?arrest him, absent
changed circumstances. Petitioner was detained while living with-
31
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 31 of 46
Greenholtz v. Nebraska Penal Inmates, 442 0.8. 1, 18 (1979
(Powell, J., concurring)).
Second, the risk of erroneous deprivation of Mr.
Lopez?s liberty interest is manifest. The release of
Arevalo Lopez to his mother required a determination that he was
neither a danger to himself or others and that it was
appropriate for him to reside with his mother under a
sponsorship agreement. See ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care
Agreement; see also Saravia V. Sessions, 280 F.Supp.3d 1168,
1177 (N.D. Cal. 2017) (?the minor?s placement with the sponsor
reflects a determination by the federal government that the
minor is neither dangerous nor a flight risk?). To date, the
only procedure to which Lopez has been afforded was the January
2017 ORR determination that he was ?neither dangerous nor a
flight risk.? See ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care Agreement.
Lopez?s October 2017 re?detention, in the absence of
any procedure or evidentiary findings, establishes the risk of
erroneous deprivation of a liberty interest. See Mathews v.
Eldridge, 424 0.8. 319, 335 (1976). The January 2017 finding
that Lopez was neither dangerous nor a flight risk is
irreconcilable with the decision to re?arrest him, absent
changed circumstances. Petitioner was detained while living with-
31
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 32 of 46
an HHS sponsor, with no notice, hearing, opportunity to be
heard, nor a finding of changed circumstances to justify
detention after having previously been found not to be
dangerous.
This risk extends to the broader community of UACs who
are placed with sponsors and are rearrested without process. See
supra note 2; see also Saravia v. Sessions, 2017 WL 5569838
(N.D. Cal, Nov. 20, 2017) (?Once a noncitizen has been released,
the law prohibits federal agents from re?arresting him merely
because he is subject to removal proceedings.?)
Finally, the government?s interest in enforcing
immigration laws, promoting border security, and deterring
unlawful immigration cannot be ignored. The Supreme Court has
held that the ?government?s interest in preventing the entry of
unwanted persons and effects is at its zenith at the
international border.? U.S. V. Flores~Mbntano, 541 0.8. 149, 149
(2004) (quoting U.S. V. Ramsey, 431 U.S. 606, 616 (1972). This
Circuit has recognized a ?compelling? government interest in
maintaining safety and security in the law enforcement context.
Maroavage v. City of New YOrk, 689 F.3d 98, 105 (2d Cir. 2012).
32
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 32 of 46
an HHS sponsor, with no notice, hearing, opportunity to be
heard, nor a finding of changed circumstances to justify
detention after having previously been found not to be
dangerous.
This risk extends to the broader community of UACs who
are placed with sponsors and are rearrested without process. See
supra note 2; see also Saravia v. Sessions, 2017 WL 5569838
(N.D. Cal, Nov. 20, 2017) (?Once a noncitizen has been released,
the law prohibits federal agents from re?arresting him merely
because he is subject to removal proceedings.?)
Finally, the government?s interest in enforcing
immigration laws, promoting border security, and deterring
unlawful immigration cannot be ignored. The Supreme Court has
held that the ?government?s interest in preventing the entry of
unwanted persons and effects is at its zenith at the
international border.? U.S. V. Flores~Mbntano, 541 0.8. 149, 149
(2004) (quoting U.S. V. Ramsey, 431 U.S. 606, 616 (1972). This
Circuit has recognized a ?compelling? government interest in
maintaining safety and security in the law enforcement context.
Maroavage v. City of New YOrk, 689 F.3d 98, 105 (2d Cir. 2012).
32
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 33 of 46
In addition to the government?s interests in safety,
security, and curbing unlawful immigration, Mathews V. Eldridge
requires consideration of the administrative burdens that would
be imposed if the government were required to adopt substitute
procedures. 424 U.S. at 335. For Lopez and those similarly
situated, a substitute procedure would involve a hearing at
which the Government sets forth the basis for its decision to
rearrest the person it previously found to be suitable for
placement with a sponsor. See generally ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor
Care Agreement. Such a hearing would take place after the
statutorily?required consideration of the least restrictive
setting, in accordance with the TVPRA. See discussion supra.
This substitute procedure would further the
government?s ?compelling? interest in maintaining safety and
security, while enhancing its stated administrative interest in
?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien children.? 8
U.S.C. 1232(b)(l). Requiring procedural protections that seek
to delineate justifiable detentions from those that are based on
mere suspicion or conjecture would allow innocent UACs who are
released under Flores to maintain their liberty, minimizing the
risk of erroneous detention.
33
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 33 of 46
In addition to the government?s interests in safety,
security, and curbing unlawful immigration, Mathews V. Eldridge
requires consideration of the administrative burdens that would
be imposed if the government were required to adopt substitute
procedures. 424 U.S. at 335. For Lopez and those similarly
situated, a substitute procedure would involve a hearing at
which the Government sets forth the basis for its decision to
rearrest the person it previously found to be suitable for
placement with a sponsor. See generally ECF No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor
Care Agreement. Such a hearing would take place after the
statutorily?required consideration of the least restrictive
setting, in accordance with the TVPRA. See discussion supra.
This substitute procedure would further the
government?s ?compelling? interest in maintaining safety and
security, while enhancing its stated administrative interest in
?the care and custody of all unaccompanied alien children.? 8
U.S.C. 1232(b)(l). Requiring procedural protections that seek
to delineate justifiable detentions from those that are based on
mere suspicion or conjecture would allow innocent UACs who are
released under Flores to maintain their liberty, minimizing the
risk of erroneous detention.
33
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 34 of 46
Thus, any fiscal or administrative burdens are
outweighed by the benefit of protecting against erroneous
deprivations of liberty*as well as the administrative waste such
deprivations produce. See Saravia, 280 F.Supp.3d at 1200.
The ?essence" of procedural due process is that a
person risking a serious loss be given notice and an opportunity
to be heard in a meaningful manner at a meaningful time. Mathews
v. Eldridge, 424 0.8. 319, 348 (1976). The release of Arevalo
Lopez to his mother was pursuant to a process that involved a
determination that he was neither a danger to himself or others
and that it was appropriate for him_to reside with her.
Petitioner?s re?detention, without prior notice, a showing of
changed circumstances, or a meaningful opportunity to respond,
does not satisfy the procedural requirements of the Fifth
Amendment. See RosaleSeGarcia v. Holland, 322 F.3d 386, 409 (6th
Cir. 2003) (?Excludable alienS#like all aliens?are clearly
protected by the Due Process Clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth
Amendments.?) (citing Yick W0 v. Hopkins, 118 0.8. 356 (1886).
Thus, even if Petitioner was not owed the procedural
protections of the TVPRA discussed supra (namely, the right to
be considered for placement in the ?least restrictive setting?),
the Fifth Amendment requires more than he was given. Fundamental
34
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 34 of 46
Thus, any fiscal or administrative burdens are
outweighed by the benefit of protecting against erroneous
deprivations of liberty*as well as the administrative waste such
deprivations produce. See Saravia, 280 F.Supp.3d at 1200.
The ?essence" of procedural due process is that a
person risking a serious loss be given notice and an opportunity
to be heard in a meaningful manner at a meaningful time. Mathews
v. Eldridge, 424 0.8. 319, 348 (1976). The release of Arevalo
Lopez to his mother was pursuant to a process that involved a
determination that he was neither a danger to himself or others
and that it was appropriate for him_to reside with her.
Petitioner?s re?detention, without prior notice, a showing of
changed circumstances, or a meaningful opportunity to respond,
does not satisfy the procedural requirements of the Fifth
Amendment. See RosaleSeGarcia v. Holland, 322 F.3d 386, 409 (6th
Cir. 2003) (?Excludable alienS#like all aliens?are clearly
protected by the Due Process Clauses of the Fifth and Fourteenth
Amendments.?) (citing Yick W0 v. Hopkins, 118 0.8. 356 (1886).
Thus, even if Petitioner was not owed the procedural
protections of the TVPRA discussed supra (namely, the right to
be considered for placement in the ?least restrictive setting?),
the Fifth Amendment requires more than he was given. Fundamental
34
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 35 of 46
principles of due process?specifically, the procedural
safeguards of the Fifth Amendment?entitle Lopez to a neutral
hearing at which the government presents evidence of changed
circumstances requiring redetention.
ii. Substantive Due Process
The Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment protects
the substantive right to be free from unjustified deprivations
of liberty. Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 690. This right extends to
both ?removable and inadmissible? non?citizens. Id. at 721
(Kennedy, J. dissenting) (holding that both ?removable and
inadmissible aliens are entitled to be free from detention that
is arbitrary or capricious?). The ?freedom from imprisonment~
from government custody, detention, or other forms of physical
restraintelies at the heart of the liberty? that the Due Process
Clause protects. Id. at 690; see also id. at 718 (Kennedy, J.,
dissenting) (?Liberty under the Due Process Clause includes
protection against unlawful or arbitrary personal restraint or
According to Petitioner, his prolonged detention,
which has lasted over 200 days, violates his substantive due
process rights, including the right to be free from ?inhumane
35
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 35 of 46
principles of due process?specifically, the procedural
safeguards of the Fifth Amendment?entitle Lopez to a neutral
hearing at which the government presents evidence of changed
circumstances requiring redetention.
ii. Substantive Due Process
The Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment protects
the substantive right to be free from unjustified deprivations
of liberty. Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 690. This right extends to
both ?removable and inadmissible? non?citizens. Id. at 721
(Kennedy, J. dissenting) (holding that both ?removable and
inadmissible aliens are entitled to be free from detention that
is arbitrary or capricious?). The ?freedom from imprisonment~
from government custody, detention, or other forms of physical
restraintelies at the heart of the liberty? that the Due Process
Clause protects. Id. at 690; see also id. at 718 (Kennedy, J.,
dissenting) (?Liberty under the Due Process Clause includes
protection against unlawful or arbitrary personal restraint or
According to Petitioner, his prolonged detention,
which has lasted over 200 days, violates his substantive due
process rights, including the right to be free from ?inhumane
35
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 36 of 46
I
treatment,? such as ?indefinite, hearingless detention.? See
Pet.; Castro v. Dep?t Homeland Sec., 835 F.3d 422, 449 n.32
(3d Cir. 2016); see also Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 693?94; v.
Cannatella, 810 F.2d 1363, 1374 (5th Cir. 1987). The Court
agrees.
Respondents argue that Lopez?s seven?month detention
has not been prolonged ?in any way,? and thus comports with Due
Process. See ECF No. 9. To support this position, Respondents
cite to cases involving the detention of deportable criminal
aliens awaiting removal from the United States. Demore, 538 U.S.
510, 511 (2003) (?We hold that Congress, justifiably concerned
that deportable criminal aliens who are not detained continue to
engage in crime . . . may require that persons such as
respondent be detained for the brief period necessary for their
removal Doherty v. Thonburgh, 943 F.2d 204, 211
(2d Cir. 1991) (holding that respondent, a citizen of Ireland
who had been convicted by a British court for murder, and who
escaped from.a British jail before entering the US with a fake
passport, was properly held in ?prolonged detention without bail
pending deportation").
As a threshold matter, this line of cases deals
largely with the detention of criminal immigrants under Section
36
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 36 of 46
I
treatment,? such as ?indefinite, hearingless detention.? See
Pet.; Castro v. Dep?t Homeland Sec., 835 F.3d 422, 449 n.32
(3d Cir. 2016); see also Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 693?94; v.
Cannatella, 810 F.2d 1363, 1374 (5th Cir. 1987). The Court
agrees.
Respondents argue that Lopez?s seven?month detention
has not been prolonged ?in any way,? and thus comports with Due
Process. See ECF No. 9. To support this position, Respondents
cite to cases involving the detention of deportable criminal
aliens awaiting removal from the United States. Demore, 538 U.S.
510, 511 (2003) (?We hold that Congress, justifiably concerned
that deportable criminal aliens who are not detained continue to
engage in crime . . . may require that persons such as
respondent be detained for the brief period necessary for their
removal Doherty v. Thonburgh, 943 F.2d 204, 211
(2d Cir. 1991) (holding that respondent, a citizen of Ireland
who had been convicted by a British court for murder, and who
escaped from.a British jail before entering the US with a fake
passport, was properly held in ?prolonged detention without bail
pending deportation").
As a threshold matter, this line of cases deals
largely with the detention of criminal immigrants under Section
36
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 37 of 46
1226(c), a statute which ?serves the purpose of preventing
deportable criminal aliens from fleeing prior to or during their
removal proceedings.? See Demore v. Kim, 538 0.8. 510, 512
(2003). And Section 1226(c) does not apply to Petitioner, who
has never been convicted of, or even charged with, a crime. See
Pet. P. 2. On the contrary, Lopez was found not to be dangerous
by HHS, which also deemed him_not to be a flight risk. See ECF
No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care Agreement.
Respondents argue that both the language of 8 U.S.C.
1225(b)(2)(A), as well as Petitioner?s age, subject him to
mandatory detention without limitation. ECF No. 9, Response
Memorandum, at 9. Section 1225(b)(2) gives the Attorney General
discretion to detain arriving aliens ?until removal proceedings
have concluded.? 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(A), Jennings V.
Rodriguez, 138 830, 834 (2018). Respondents direct our
attention to Jennings, a recent Supreme Court decision that
interpreted Section 1225(b)(2) to permit prolonged detention of
arriving aliens pending removal. See id. (?It also authorizes
the Government to detain certain aliens already in the country
pending the outcome of removal
If Respondents? position is that Jennings deemed
prolonged, hearingless detention of removable adult immigrants
37
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 37 of 46
1226(c), a statute which ?serves the purpose of preventing
deportable criminal aliens from fleeing prior to or during their
removal proceedings.? See Demore v. Kim, 538 0.8. 510, 512
(2003). And Section 1226(c) does not apply to Petitioner, who
has never been convicted of, or even charged with, a crime. See
Pet. P. 2. On the contrary, Lopez was found not to be dangerous
by HHS, which also deemed him_not to be a flight risk. See ECF
No. 1?3, UAC Sponsor Care Agreement.
Respondents argue that both the language of 8 U.S.C.
1225(b)(2)(A), as well as Petitioner?s age, subject him to
mandatory detention without limitation. ECF No. 9, Response
Memorandum, at 9. Section 1225(b)(2) gives the Attorney General
discretion to detain arriving aliens ?until removal proceedings
have concluded.? 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(2)(A), Jennings V.
Rodriguez, 138 830, 834 (2018). Respondents direct our
attention to Jennings, a recent Supreme Court decision that
interpreted Section 1225(b)(2) to permit prolonged detention of
arriving aliens pending removal. See id. (?It also authorizes
the Government to detain certain aliens already in the country
pending the outcome of removal
If Respondents? position is that Jennings deemed
prolonged, hearingless detention of removable adult immigrants
37
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 38 of 46
constitutional, they are mistaken. The Court did not reach the
merits of the constitutional challenge before it, instead
holding that there was no statutorilysguaranteed right to
?periodic bond hearings? under Sections 1225(b) and 1226(c). Id.
at 836. The Court instead remanded the case to the Ninth Circuit
with instructions concerning the statutory requirements of
Sections 1225(b) and 1226(0). Id. at 851 (?Because the Court of
Appeals erroneously concluded that periodic bond hearings are
required under the immigration provisions at issue here, it had
no occasion to consider respondents? constitutional arguments.
.[and] we do not reach those arguments.?)
Respondents also point to 8 U.S.C 1225(b)(2)(A) to
support the position that Lopez lost his status as a UAc?along
with the attendant protections?on the day he turned 18, while on
release pursuant to the Sponsorship Agreement. ECF No. 9,
Response Memorandums As a result, Respondents argue, Lopez was
subject to redetention at any time and for any reason. Id.
However, that position is in conflict with Congress?s intent to
extend certain protections UACs who attain majority while in the
custody of HHS. See discussion of 8 U.S.C. 1261 supra (?If a
minor . . . reaches 18 years of age and is transferred to the
custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary
38
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 38 of 46
constitutional, they are mistaken. The Court did not reach the
merits of the constitutional challenge before it, instead
holding that there was no statutorilysguaranteed right to
?periodic bond hearings? under Sections 1225(b) and 1226(c). Id.
at 836. The Court instead remanded the case to the Ninth Circuit
with instructions concerning the statutory requirements of
Sections 1225(b) and 1226(0). Id. at 851 (?Because the Court of
Appeals erroneously concluded that periodic bond hearings are
required under the immigration provisions at issue here, it had
no occasion to consider respondents? constitutional arguments.
.[and] we do not reach those arguments.?)
Respondents also point to 8 U.S.C 1225(b)(2)(A) to
support the position that Lopez lost his status as a UAc?along
with the attendant protections?on the day he turned 18, while on
release pursuant to the Sponsorship Agreement. ECF No. 9,
Response Memorandums As a result, Respondents argue, Lopez was
subject to redetention at any time and for any reason. Id.
However, that position is in conflict with Congress?s intent to
extend certain protections UACs who attain majority while in the
custody of HHS. See discussion of 8 U.S.C. 1261 supra (?If a
minor . . . reaches 18 years of age and is transferred to the
custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary
38
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 39 of 46
shall consider placement in the least restrictive setting
available?).
If UACs become ?arriving aliens? on the day they turn
eighteen, subjecting them to rearrest and near?indefinite
detention, then Section ?1232 of the TVPRA would lose
the force of law. Adopting Respondents? reading of the relevant
provisions would put UACs who are released on sponsorship
agreements_after being found neither dangerous nor a flight
riskeon equal due process footing as immigrants arriving at the
border. They could be rearrested solely on the ground that they
are removableethe same basis on which they were detained in the
first place. This result is in direct conflict with
Congressional intent, constitutional due process, and common
sense .
As our sister court, in Saravia v. Sessions,
recognized on nearly identical facts: ?If DHS could, the day
after a minor was released to a parent or other sponsor, arrest
the minor on the same basis and restart the process, the
instruction to place the minor in the least restrictive setting
would mean little.? 280 F. Supp. 3d at 1197(granting habeas
relief and a preliminary injunction requiring the government to
either release petitioners or provide a prompt hearing when UACs
39
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 39 of 46
shall consider placement in the least restrictive setting
available?).
If UACs become ?arriving aliens? on the day they turn
eighteen, subjecting them to rearrest and near?indefinite
detention, then Section ?1232 of the TVPRA would lose
the force of law. Adopting Respondents? reading of the relevant
provisions would put UACs who are released on sponsorship
agreements_after being found neither dangerous nor a flight
riskeon equal due process footing as immigrants arriving at the
border. They could be rearrested solely on the ground that they
are removableethe same basis on which they were detained in the
first place. This result is in direct conflict with
Congressional intent, constitutional due process, and common
sense .
As our sister court, in Saravia v. Sessions,
recognized on nearly identical facts: ?If DHS could, the day
after a minor was released to a parent or other sponsor, arrest
the minor on the same basis and restart the process, the
instruction to place the minor in the least restrictive setting
would mean little.? 280 F. Supp. 3d at 1197(granting habeas
relief and a preliminary injunction requiring the government to
either release petitioners or provide a prompt hearing when UACs
39
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 40 of 46
are released to suitable sponsors by the ORR and subsequently
rearrested without probable cause) (citing United States v.
KOrdosky, No. 1988 WL 238041, at *7 (W.D. Wis. Sept.
12, 1988) (?the repeated seizure of a person on the same
probable cause cannot, by any standard, be regarded as
reasonable under the Fourth Amendment")). 80 too here, where
that minor attains majority while in HHS custody.
While parties have not brought to this Court?s
attention a single case in this Circuit or any other involving
these precise facts (civil redetention, without a hearing or
probable cause, of an adult immigrant who attains majority
during the course of a sponsorship agreement), courts in this
Circuit have generally been skeptical of prolonged detention of
removable immigrants, without process, lasting over six months.
See Lora v. Shanahan, 804 F.3d 601 (2d Cir. 2015) (?In order to
avoid the constitutional concerns raised by indefinite
detention, an immigrant detained pursuant to 1226(c) must be
afforded a bail hearing before an immigration judge within six
months?) see also Sajous V. Decker, 18?cv?2447 (AJN), 2018 WL
2357266, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. May 23, 2018) (granting preliminary
injunction in favor of criminal immigrant detained for eight
months, because ?continued detention of the Petitioner pursuant
4O
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 40 of 46
are released to suitable sponsors by the ORR and subsequently
rearrested without probable cause) (citing United States v.
KOrdosky, No. 1988 WL 238041, at *7 (W.D. Wis. Sept.
12, 1988) (?the repeated seizure of a person on the same
probable cause cannot, by any standard, be regarded as
reasonable under the Fourth Amendment")). 80 too here, where
that minor attains majority while in HHS custody.
While parties have not brought to this Court?s
attention a single case in this Circuit or any other involving
these precise facts (civil redetention, without a hearing or
probable cause, of an adult immigrant who attains majority
during the course of a sponsorship agreement), courts in this
Circuit have generally been skeptical of prolonged detention of
removable immigrants, without process, lasting over six months.
See Lora v. Shanahan, 804 F.3d 601 (2d Cir. 2015) (?In order to
avoid the constitutional concerns raised by indefinite
detention, an immigrant detained pursuant to 1226(c) must be
afforded a bail hearing before an immigration judge within six
months?) see also Sajous V. Decker, 18?cv?2447 (AJN), 2018 WL
2357266, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. May 23, 2018) (granting preliminary
injunction in favor of criminal immigrant detained for eight
months, because ?continued detention of the Petitioner pursuant
4O
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 41 of 46
to 1226(c) without access to a bond hearing is unreasonable,
and thus unconstitutional, as applied to
Although the holding in Lora V. Shanahan was vacated
by the Supreme Court?s ruling in Jennings, its reasoning remains
?strong persuasive authority? on this Court. See Sajous v.
Decker, 18dcv?2447 (AJN), 2018 WL 2357266, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. May
23, 2018) with the Second Circuit?s decision in
Brown, the reasoning of Lora remains strong persuasive
authority?). In Lora, the Second Circuit read into Section
1226(c) a temporal limitation on hearingless detention for
immigrants convicted of certain enumerated crimes. Id. It noted
?significant constitutional concerns? surrounding prolonged
detention of criminal immigrants lasting over six months. Id.
Since October 24, 2017, Respondents have failed to
provide an explanation for why ICE detained Arevalo Lopez, other
than to state that his arrest was pursuant to a Form
warrant. See ECF No. 9, Response Memorandum at 4. Form Iw200
does not require any neutral party to evaluate the warrant or
the detention. Both the charging documentethe Notice to Appear*
and the warrant are prepared for ICE agents, by ICE
agents, and do not require a showing of probable cause for
arrest. The in this case, which zeroes in on Petitioner's
41
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 41 of 46
to 1226(c) without access to a bond hearing is unreasonable,
and thus unconstitutional, as applied to
Although the holding in Lora V. Shanahan was vacated
by the Supreme Court?s ruling in Jennings, its reasoning remains
?strong persuasive authority? on this Court. See Sajous v.
Decker, 18dcv?2447 (AJN), 2018 WL 2357266, at *11 (S.D.N.Y. May
23, 2018) with the Second Circuit?s decision in
Brown, the reasoning of Lora remains strong persuasive
authority?). In Lora, the Second Circuit read into Section
1226(c) a temporal limitation on hearingless detention for
immigrants convicted of certain enumerated crimes. Id. It noted
?significant constitutional concerns? surrounding prolonged
detention of criminal immigrants lasting over six months. Id.
Since October 24, 2017, Respondents have failed to
provide an explanation for why ICE detained Arevalo Lopez, other
than to state that his arrest was pursuant to a Form
warrant. See ECF No. 9, Response Memorandum at 4. Form Iw200
does not require any neutral party to evaluate the warrant or
the detention. Both the charging documentethe Notice to Appear*
and the warrant are prepared for ICE agents, by ICE
agents, and do not require a showing of probable cause for
arrest. The in this case, which zeroes in on Petitioner's
41
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 42 of 46
clothing and social associations, noting in particular that his
?clothing and accessories are indicative of gang membership,?
does not approach ?probable cause.? ECF No. 1?3 Such
administrative warrants raise serious due process and Fourth
Amendment questions when used in this way.
Nor does the discretionary parole process provided for
in 8 U.S.C 1225(d)(5)(A) satisfy Arevalo Lopez?s
constitutional rights. See Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 692 (post?order
release procedures insufficient to satisfy due process).
The authority to grant parole under 1182(d)(5)(A)
belongs to the same agency tasked with effectuating the parole
applicant?s detention and deportation. In addition, denial of a
parole request made under 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A) is not
subject to judicial review by an immigration judge or, to the
extent denial is discretionary, federal judicial review. See 8
U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(B)(ii). Thus, the parole process does not
satisfy Petitioner?s due process rights. See Diop, 656 F.3d at
231 (requiring ?an individualized inquiry into whether detention
is still necessary to fulfill the statute?s purposes of ensuring
that alien attends removal proceedings and that his release will
not pose a danger to the community?); Leslie v. Attorney
General, 678 F.3d 265, 267 (3d Cir. 2017) (rejecting as
42
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 42 of 46
clothing and social associations, noting in particular that his
?clothing and accessories are indicative of gang membership,?
does not approach ?probable cause.? ECF No. 1?3 Such
administrative warrants raise serious due process and Fourth
Amendment questions when used in this way.
Nor does the discretionary parole process provided for
in 8 U.S.C 1225(d)(5)(A) satisfy Arevalo Lopez?s
constitutional rights. See Zadvydas, 533 U.S. at 692 (post?order
release procedures insufficient to satisfy due process).
The authority to grant parole under 1182(d)(5)(A)
belongs to the same agency tasked with effectuating the parole
applicant?s detention and deportation. In addition, denial of a
parole request made under 8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)(A) is not
subject to judicial review by an immigration judge or, to the
extent denial is discretionary, federal judicial review. See 8
U.S.C. 1252(a)(2)(B)(ii). Thus, the parole process does not
satisfy Petitioner?s due process rights. See Diop, 656 F.3d at
231 (requiring ?an individualized inquiry into whether detention
is still necessary to fulfill the statute?s purposes of ensuring
that alien attends removal proceedings and that his release will
not pose a danger to the community?); Leslie v. Attorney
General, 678 F.3d 265, 267 (3d Cir. 2017) (rejecting as
42
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 43 of 46
procedurally inadequate a ?post order custody review" conducted
by DHS, at which neither the respondent nor counsel was present
and no hearing was held).
The actions of the Respondents have deprived Arevalo
Lopez of his procedural and substantive due process right to
liberty. There has been no evidence adduced concerning the
process of, or the substantive basis for, Petitioner?s
redetention. All of Petitioners efforts to seek relief and
review have been unsuccessful. The issuance of a writ of habeas
corpus is thus the appropriate remedy.
The great writ of habeas corpus, ?at its historical
core,? ?has served as a means of reviewing the legality of
Executive detention, and it is in that context that its
protections have been at its strongest.? I.N.S. v. St. Cyr., 533
U.S. 289, 301 (2001). As the Second Circuit recently stated in
Hechavarria v. Sessions: ?Because a petition for-a writ of
habeas corpus raises questions of law regarding the power of the
state to detain an individual, we conduct a de novo review of
the denial.? No. 16w1380, 2018 WL 2306595, at *2 (2d Cir. May
16, 2018); see also wang v. Ashcroft, 320 F.3d 130, 139?40 (2d
Cir. 2003).
43
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 43 of 46
procedurally inadequate a ?post order custody review" conducted
by DHS, at which neither the respondent nor counsel was present
and no hearing was held).
The actions of the Respondents have deprived Arevalo
Lopez of his procedural and substantive due process right to
liberty. There has been no evidence adduced concerning the
process of, or the substantive basis for, Petitioner?s
redetention. All of Petitioners efforts to seek relief and
review have been unsuccessful. The issuance of a writ of habeas
corpus is thus the appropriate remedy.
The great writ of habeas corpus, ?at its historical
core,? ?has served as a means of reviewing the legality of
Executive detention, and it is in that context that its
protections have been at its strongest.? I.N.S. v. St. Cyr., 533
U.S. 289, 301 (2001). As the Second Circuit recently stated in
Hechavarria v. Sessions: ?Because a petition for-a writ of
habeas corpus raises questions of law regarding the power of the
state to detain an individual, we conduct a de novo review of
the denial.? No. 16w1380, 2018 WL 2306595, at *2 (2d Cir. May
16, 2018); see also wang v. Ashcroft, 320 F.3d 130, 139?40 (2d
Cir. 2003).
43
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 44 of 46
Arevalo.Lopez has suffered constitutional and
statutory violations as a result of his prolonged re?detention
without process. It is now appropriate to restore him to his
pre?detention status which was previously approved by HHS. A
birthday shall not result in detention.
In light of the deprivation of Arevalo Lopez?s
liberty, formerly granted and approved by Respondents, the
absence of any deliberative process prior to, or contemporaneous
with, the deprivation, and the statutory and the constitutional
rights implicated, a writ of habeas corpus is the only vehicle
for relief. It is, in essence, the most appropriate remedy.
Thus, because the parole process is unavailing as
discussed supra, and because the agency actions here are final
and in violation of Petitioner?s statutorily and
constitutionally?guaranteed right to be free from deprivations
of liberty without process, the Petition is granted.
In the event that facts are presented which require a
reevaluation of the Sponsor Care Agreement, the applicable
process under 8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)(8) should be followed.
44
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 44 of 46
Arevalo.Lopez has suffered constitutional and
statutory violations as a result of his prolonged re?detention
without process. It is now appropriate to restore him to his
pre?detention status which was previously approved by HHS. A
birthday shall not result in detention.
In light of the deprivation of Arevalo Lopez?s
liberty, formerly granted and approved by Respondents, the
absence of any deliberative process prior to, or contemporaneous
with, the deprivation, and the statutory and the constitutional
rights implicated, a writ of habeas corpus is the only vehicle
for relief. It is, in essence, the most appropriate remedy.
Thus, because the parole process is unavailing as
discussed supra, and because the agency actions here are final
and in violation of Petitioner?s statutorily and
constitutionally?guaranteed right to be free from deprivations
of liberty without process, the Petition is granted.
In the event that facts are presented which require a
reevaluation of the Sponsor Care Agreement, the applicable
process under 8 U.S.C. 1232(c)(2)(8) should be followed.
44
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 45 of 46
VII. Immediate Release Under.Mapp v. Reno is Denied
The Petitioner has sought immediate release of Arevalo
Lopez under the authority of Mapp V. Reno. 241 F.3d 221 (2d Cir.
2001). See also Elkimya V. Dep?t of Homeland Sec., 484 F.3d 151Jr
153 (2d Cir. 2007) (explaining the REAL ID Act of 2005 ?did not
qualify out inherent authority to admit to bail petitioners in
immigrations cases?).
Pursuant to mapp V. Reno, a ?court considering a
habeas petitioner?s fitness for bail must inquire into whether
the habeas petition raises substantial claims and whether
extraordinary circumstances exist that make the grant of bail
necessary to make the habeas remedy effective.? 241 F.3d at 230
(internal quotation marks and alterations omitted). This
standard is ?a difficult one to meet.? Id. at 226 (citation
omitted). Arevalo Lopez?s Petition has not established the
existence of ?extraordinary circumstances . . . that make the
grant of bail necessary to make the habeas remedy effective.?
Id. at 130; see also id. at 231 (reversing district court?s
grant of bail because ?the effectiveness of [the relief the
petition sought] is wholly independent of the question of
whether [he] is incarcerated? while seeking relief). This is
particularly true here, given the relief granted by the writ.
45
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 45 of 46
VII. Immediate Release Under.Mapp v. Reno is Denied
The Petitioner has sought immediate release of Arevalo
Lopez under the authority of Mapp V. Reno. 241 F.3d 221 (2d Cir.
2001). See also Elkimya V. Dep?t of Homeland Sec., 484 F.3d 151Jr
153 (2d Cir. 2007) (explaining the REAL ID Act of 2005 ?did not
qualify out inherent authority to admit to bail petitioners in
immigrations cases?).
Pursuant to mapp V. Reno, a ?court considering a
habeas petitioner?s fitness for bail must inquire into whether
the habeas petition raises substantial claims and whether
extraordinary circumstances exist that make the grant of bail
necessary to make the habeas remedy effective.? 241 F.3d at 230
(internal quotation marks and alterations omitted). This
standard is ?a difficult one to meet.? Id. at 226 (citation
omitted). Arevalo Lopez?s Petition has not established the
existence of ?extraordinary circumstances . . . that make the
grant of bail necessary to make the habeas remedy effective.?
Id. at 130; see also id. at 231 (reversing district court?s
grant of bail because ?the effectiveness of [the relief the
petition sought] is wholly independent of the question of
whether [he] is incarcerated? while seeking relief). This is
particularly true here, given the relief granted by the writ.
45
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 46 of 46
Conclusion
The Petition of Arevalo Lopez is granted, and he is
released under the terms of the Sponsorship Agreement.
Immediate release under Mapp is denied.
It is so ordered.
New York, NY
June '[1ffibls
7L
KOBERT W.
U. .D . J.
46
Case Document 13 Filed 06/12/18 Page 46 of 46
Conclusion
The Petition of Arevalo Lopez is granted, and he is
released under the terms of the Sponsorship Agreement.
Immediate release under Mapp is denied.
It is so ordered.
New York, NY
June '[1ffibls
7L
KOBERT W.
U. .D . J.
46