Central District of California • 2:26-cv-00454

#1

Jan 15, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus by a Person in Federal Custody (28 USC 2241), Receipt No. ACACDC-41290024 for $5 filing fee, filed by Maksim Zaitsev Maksim Zaitsev. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit) (Attorney Yuliya Kelmansky added to party Maksim Zaitsev(pty:bkmov))(Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

#2

Jan 15, 2026

NOTICE OF REFERENCE to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. This case has been assigned to the calendar of the Honorable District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong and referred to Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar, who is authorized to consider preliminary matters and conduct all further hearings as may be appropriate or necessary. Pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.4, the Court must be notified within five (5) days of any address change. See notice for additional details. (jp) (Entered: 01/15/2026)

#3

Jan 20, 2026

PROOF OF SERVICE filed by petitioner Maksim Zaitsev, served on 01/16/2026. (Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 01/20/2026)

#4

Jan 26, 2026

ORDER RE TRANSFER PURSUANT to this Court's General Order in the Matter of Assignment of Cases and Duties to the District Judges. Related Case- filed. Related Case No: 2:25-cr-00154-SPG. Case transferred from Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong to Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett for all further proceedings. The case number will now reflect the initials of the transferee Judge 2:26-cv-00454-SPG-AS. Signed by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. (lh) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

#5

Jan 26, 2026

MINUTE (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE ON PETITIONER'S EMERGENCY MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 1 2 3 by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. The Court sets a hearing on the Motion for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Respondents are ordered to file a response, if any, no later than Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Petitioner's brief in reply, if any, is due by Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The Court hereby ORDERS that Petitioner may not be removed from the Central District of California until further order of Court. (iv) (Entered: 01/26/2026)

#6

Jan 28, 2026

(Attorney Whitney Wakefield added to party Todd M. Lyons(pty:res), Attorney Whitney Wakefield added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Whitney Wakefield added to party Ernesto Jr Santacruz(pty:res), Attorney Whitney Wakefield added to party The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice(pty:res), Attorney Whitney Wakefield added to party Warden(pty:res))(Wakefield, Whitney) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#7

Jan 28, 2026

Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla counsel for Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. Adding Alfredo Jose Bonilla as counsel of record for Federal Respondents for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Attorney for Federal Respondents Alfredo Jose Bonilla. (Attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla added to party Todd M. Lyons(pty:res), Attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla added to party Ernesto Jr Santacruz(pty:res), Attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla added to party The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice(pty:res), Attorney Alfredo Jose Bonilla added to party Warden(pty:res))(Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#8

Jan 28, 2026

REPLY IN OPPOSITION TO PETITIONERS EX PARTE APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1) Notice to Appear, # 2 Exhibit 2) Form I-830,, # 3 Exhibit 3) IJ Order Granting Change of Venue, # 4 Exhibit 4) April 30, 2025, IJ Border Order Denial, # 5 Exhibit 5) July 15, 2025, IJ Bond Order Denial, # 6 Exhibit 6) November 14, 2025, IJ Rodriguez Bond Denial, # 7 Exhibit 7) Declaration of Alfredo Jose Bonilla)(Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#9

Jan 30, 2026

RESPONSE IN SUPPORT Emergency Petition for Writ of habeas Corpus filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 01/30/2026)

#10

Feb 03, 2026

SCHEDULING NOTICE AND ORDER by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. On the Courts own motion, the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order set to be heard February 4, 2026, is taken off calendar. No appearance necessary. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pg) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 02/03/2026)

#11

Feb 03, 2026

NOTICE OF CLERICAL ERROR by Courtroom Deputy Clerk to Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. You are hereby notified that due to a clerical error the Motion for Temporary Restraining Order was INCORRECTLY vacated. The Motion will be heard as originally scheduled on February 4, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pg) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 02/03/2026)

Feb 03, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

#12

Feb 04, 2026

MINUTES OF MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 1 (HEARING HELD) held before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett: Counsel state appearances. Court and counsel discuss the status of the case. For reasons stated on the record the government shall file a declaration detailing what the Court and parties viewed at sidebar regarding whether there was a question of law that was at issue or a question of fact. The Court's oral tentative is that it is presented as a question of fact. The declaration is due by February 6, 2026. A court ruling shall be issued soon. Court Reporter: Maria Bustillos. (bm) (Entered: 02/06/2026)

#13

Feb 06, 2026

DECLARATION of ALFREDO JOSE BONILLA RE: SIDEBAR AND QUESTION OF LAW OR FACT filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 02/06/2026)

#14

Feb 09, 2026

ORDER DENYING PETITIONER'S APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. (vdr) (Entered: 02/09/2026)

#15

Feb 17, 2026

ORDER REQUIRING RESPONSE TO PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS (28 U.S.C. § 2241) by Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. Notice: The court has issued a ruling on preliminary review. Pursuant to the Agreement on Acceptance of Service between the Clerk of Court and the United States Attorneys Office, this Notice constitutes service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4. [SEE ORDER FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND DEADLINES.] (Attachments: # 1 Petition Part 1, # 2 Petition Part 2, # 3 Blank Consent Form) (san) (Entered: 02/18/2026)

#16

Mar 01, 2026

CONSENT TO PROCEED before Magistrate Judge, in accordance with Title 28 Section 636(c) and F.R.CIV.P 73(b), (Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 03/01/2026)

#17

Mar 18, 2026

REPLY /ANSWER TO PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 Declaration of Alfredo Jose Bonilla)(Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 03/18/2026)

#18

Mar 25, 2026

RENEWED MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction and Order to Show Cause filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (iv) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

#19

Mar 25, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Appointment of Counsel filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (iv) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

#20

Mar 27, 2026

(IN CHAMBERS) ORDER by Sherilyn Peace Garnett. On March 25, 2026, Petitioner filed a Renewed Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, in which he stated that he is representing himself in this litigation, as well as a Motion for Appointment of Counsel. See [ECF Nos. 18, 19]. However, the docket reflects that Petitioner is represented by Yuliya Kelmansky as counsel. Pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.3.1, [w]henever a party has appeared by an attorney, the party may not thereafter appear or act pro se, except upon order made by the Court. Petitioner, acting through Ms. Kelmansky, is ORDERED to file a report with the Court by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, addressing Ms. Kelmanskys representation. To the extent Ms. Kelmansky seeks to withdraw as counsel, she may not do so without leave of court. See C.D. Cal. L.R. 83-2.3.2.THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pg) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 03/27/2026)

Mar 27, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

#21

Mar 29, 2026

STATUS REPORT Representation of Petitioner filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 03/29/2026)

#22

Mar 30, 2026

MINUTE (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER SETTING BRIEFING SCHEDULE by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. The Court sets the Renewed Motion for hearing on April 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Respondents David Marin, Thomas Giles, Todd Lyons, Kristie Noem, and Pamela Bondi, all sued in their official capacities, are ordered to file a response, if any, no later than Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Petitioner's brief in reply, if any, is due by Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (iv) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

#23

Mar 30, 2026

MINUTE (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER RE: PETITIONER'S STATUS REPORT 21 by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. In the interest of justice, the Court will permit Petitioner to represent himself in connection with the Renewed Motion for Temporary Restraining Order. Ms. Kelmansky shall file a Motion for Withdrawal, within five (5) days from the date of this order, pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.3.2. (iv) (Entered: 03/30/2026)

#24

Apr 01, 2026

NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION of Yuliya Kelmansky to Withdraw as Attorney filed by Attorney for Plaintiff Maksim Zaitsev. Motion set for hearing on 4/10/2026 at 08:30 AM before Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. (Kelmansky, Yuliya) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

#25

Apr 01, 2026

OPPOSITION re: NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order 18 filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

#26

Apr 01, 2026

REQUEST for Extension of Time to File filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (sh) (Entered: 04/02/2026)

#27

Apr 02, 2026

MINUTE (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER DIRECTING RESPONDENTS TO FILE A STATUS REPORT by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. On March 25, 2026, Petitioner filed a Renewed Motion for Temporary Restraining Order challenging his detention. The Court set briefing on the Renewed Motion and set a hearing for April 7, 2026. On April 1, 2026, Respondents filed a brief in opposition. In light of the Opposition, Respondents are ordered to file a status report by Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (pg) (Entered: 04/02/2026)

#29

Apr 02, 2026

MINUTE ORDER (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER DIRECTING RESPONDENTS TO FILE A STATUS REPORT BY FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026 by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett: In light of the Opposition, Respondents are ordered to file a status report by Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., addressing the result of the removal hearing and the effect of the result of that hearing on this case. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

#28

Apr 03, 2026

STATUS REPORT filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

#30

Apr 03, 2026

MINUTES (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER GRANTING YULIYA KELMANSKY'S MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL TO PETITIONER, GRANTING PETITIONER'S REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF TIME, AND CONTINUING THE HEARING ON PETITIONER'S RENEWED MOTION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER [ECF NOS. 24, 26] by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett Granting 24 REQUEST to Withdraw as Attorney; Granting 26 REQUEST for Extension of Time to File: In light of the foregoing, and finding good cause therefor, the Court GRANTS Ms. Kelmansky's Motion to Withdraw as Counsel and Petitioner's Request for Extension of Time. The Clerk of Court shall terminate Ms. Kelmansky as counsel of record. In an order filed concurrently herewith, pursuant to Petitioner's Motion for Appointment of Counsel, the Court refers this action to the Federal Public Defender's Office to consider appointment of counsel. Petitioner shall file a reply brief in support of the Renewed Motion on or before April 8, 2026. The hearing on the Renewed Motion is continued from April 7, 2026, to April 14, 2026. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

#31

Apr 03, 2026

MINUTE ORDER (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER REFERRING CASE TO THE FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER TO CONSIDER APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett: Here, the Weygandt factors sufficiently support the appointment of counsel to represent Petitioner. The office of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California ("FPO") has indicated that it will accept appointments to represent pro se petitioners in immigration-related habeas corpus proceedings such as this one. Accordingly, the Court REFERS this case to the FPO for consideration of appointment of counsel for Petitioner. The FPO is ORDERED to file a response within seven days of this order issuing, indicating whether the FPO will represent Petitioner in this matter. This obligation shall be satisfied if the FPO files a notice of appearance in this case. The Clerk of Court is DIRECTED to serve a copy of th is order on the FPO. (see document for further details) (bm) (Entered: 04/03/2026)

#32

Apr 03, 2026

PETITIONERS OPPOSITION TO RESPONDENTS ARGUMENTS filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (es) (Entered: 04/08/2026)

#33

Apr 13, 2026

SCHEDULING NOTICE AND ORDER by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. On the Courts own motion, the Renewed Motion 19 set for hearing April 14, 2026, is taken off calendar. No appearance necessary. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (pg) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 04/13/2026)

#34

Apr 13, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE OR REASSIGNMENT of Deputy Public Defender Jonathan C. Aminoff on behalf of Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. Filed by Petitioner Maksim Zaitsev. (Attorney Jonathan C. Aminoff added to party Maksim Zaitsev(pty:pet))(Aminoff, Jonathan) (Entered: 04/13/2026)

Apr 13, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

#35

Apr 15, 2026

ORDER GRANTING RENEWED MOTION FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER 18 by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. Respondents are ORDERED to release Petitioner immediately; Respondents are ORDERED TO SHOW CAUSE in writing no later than five (5) days from the date of this Order why the Court should not issue a preliminary injunction. Petitioner may file a Reply no later than seven (7) days from the date of this Order. The Court sets a hearing on whether a preliminary injunction should issue for Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (iv) (Entered: 04/15/2026)

#36

Apr 17, 2026

REPLY TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE/OPPOSITION TO ISSUANCE OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION; SUGGESTION OF MOOTNESS NOW THAT PETITIONER HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM CUSTODY filed by Respondents Todd M. Lyons, Kristi Noem, Ernesto Jr Santacruz, The Attorney General of the United States and The Senior Official of the U.S. Department of Justice, Warden. (Bonilla, Alfredo) (Entered: 04/17/2026)

#37

Apr 21, 2026

Status Report

#38

Apr 22, 2026

Reply (Motion related)

Apr 23, 2026

Text Only Scheduling Notice

#40

May 08, 2026

Minutes of In Chambers Order/Directive - no proceeding held

May 13, 2026

Generic Text Only Entry