District of New Jersey • 2:26-cv-00412

#1

Jan 14, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ANJDC-16993278.), filed by Juan Daniel Mendoza Sanabria. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(WEINGART, SCOTT) (Entered: 01/14/2026)

Jan 14, 2026

Case assigned to Judge Evelyn Padin. (jr)

Jan 14, 2026

Case Assigned/Reassigned

#2

Jan 15, 2026

Order to Answer

#3

Jan 15, 2026

TEXT ORDER: As noted in this Court's previous order, D.E. 2 ("Order"), Petitioner alleges that he is unlawfully detained under 8 U.S.C. § 1225. Under this Court's recent decisions in Lomeu v. Soto, No. 25-16589, 2025 WL 2981296 (D.N.J. Oct. 23, 2025), and in accordance with other recent decisions in this District and other districts interpreting § 1225, the Court holds that Petitioner in unlawfully detained under 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b) in violation of his due process rights. See e.g., Bethancourt Soto v. Soto, No. 25-16200, 2025 WL 2976572, at *9 (D.N.J. Oct. 22, 2025); see also Lopez Benitez v. Francis, 795 F. Supp. 3d 475, 494-95 (S.D.N.Y. 2025). Therefore, it is ORDERED that the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2241 is GRANTED; Petitioner shall be released from custody by 5:00 p.m. today. Respondents are further enjoined from arresting and re-detaining Petitioner under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a) without an initial determination that he poses a flight risk or danger to the public under 8 C.F.R. § 1226(c)(8.). Respondents shall file an update with the Court today as well, and therefore, the briefing schedule set forth in the Order is VACATED. Following Respondents' filing an answer, the Court will set a deadline for Petitioner to respond. So Ordered by Judge Evelyn Padin on 1/15/2026. (bt) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

#4

Jan 15, 2026

Status Report

Jan 15, 2026

Text Order

Feb 19, 2026

Terminate Civil Case

Feb 19, 2026

Text Order