District of New Jersey • 1:26-cv-00222

#1

Jan 12, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ANJDC-16983783.), filed by YOFRAN JOSE LUGO ZARRAGA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(ASHUR, STEVEN) (Entered: 01/12/2026)

Jan 12, 2026

Case Assigned to Judge Karen M. Williams. (ps)

Jan 12, 2026

Case Assigned/Reassigned

Jan 13, 2026

Notice of Judicial Preferences

Jan 13, 2026

Notice of Judicial Preferences. Click here for the Judge's Individual Procedure Requirements. (dnw)

#2

Jan 14, 2026

TEXT ORDER - Petitioner alleges he is unlawfully detained under 8 U.S.C. § 1225. Under this Court's recent decisions in Rivera Zumba v. Bondi, No. 25-14626 (KSH), 2025 WL 2753496 (D.N.J. Sept. 26, 2025) (interpreting § 1225(b)(2)), Rivas Rodriguez v. Rokosky, No. 25-17419 (CPO), 2025 WL 3485628 (D.N.J. Dec. 3, 2025) (interpreting § 1225(b)(1)), and other recent decisions in this District interpreting § 1225, the Court holds that Petitioner is subject to detention under § 1226(a). It is ORDERED that, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a), no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 21, 2026, Respondents shall provide Petitioner with an individualized bond hearing before an immigration judge who shall assess whether he presents a flight risk or a danger to the community. Within three (3) days of that bond hearing, Respondents shall file a written notice of the outcome of that hearing with this Court. If Respondents contend that Petitioner's detention is distinguishable from the cases in this district previously addressing §1225, they shall file an expedited answer by 12:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026, and Petitioner shall file a reply by 5:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026. Petitioner shall not be transferred from the District of New Jersey or removed from the United States during the pendency of these proceedings. So Ordered by Judge Karen M. Williams on January 14, 2026. (Williams, Karen) (Entered: 01/14/2026)

Jan 14, 2026

Text Order

#3

Jan 16, 2026

Substitution of Attorney

#4

Jan 23, 2026

Letter

#5

Jan 27, 2026

TEXT ORDER Upon review of the record, the Court notes that the January 14, 2026 order (ECF No. 2) directed Respondents to provide Petitioner with a bond hearing pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a). Respondents' January 23, 2026 letter (ECF No. 4 at 1), and the Order of the Immigration Judge (ECF No. 4-1) reflect that the hearing conducted on January 21, 2026 was erroneously held under 8 U.S.C. § 1231(a), contrary to this Court's order. Accordingly, it is hereby ORDERED that Respondents shall provide Petitioner with a new bond hearing under § 1226(a) in accordance with the Court's prior order. Any determination regarding bond shall be evaluated under the discretionary authority granted by § 1226(a), considering flight risk and danger to the community, with the burden of proof upon Respondents. The record shall reflect that the prior hearing under § 1231(a) did not satisfy the petitioner's § 1226(a) request. So Ordered by Judge Karen M. Williams on 1/27/26. (nar) (Entered: 01/27/2026)

Jan 27, 2026

Order

#6

Jan 28, 2026

Letter

Feb 13, 2026

Text Order