Southern District of Texas • 5:26-cv-00123

#1

Jan 27, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus (Filing fee $ 5) filed by Ilia Arsentiev. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G) (bm5) Modified on 1/28/2026 (bm5). (Additional attachment(s) added on 1/28/2026: # 8 Envelope) (bm5). (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#2

Jan 27, 2026

EMERGENCY MOTION FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF AND EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motion Docket Date 2/17/2026. (bm5) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#3

Jan 27, 2026

Letter from Arsentiev IIia re: Request for Habeas Corpus, filed. (bm5) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#4

Jan 27, 2026

ORDER REFERRING CASE to Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos. (Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (bm5) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan 27, 2026

Referral Judge Selected: Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos randomly selected to receive referrals. An order or notice of referral of case or motion to follow. (bm5)

#5

Jan 28, 2026

NOTICE to Pro Se Litigant of Case Opening. Party notified, filed. (bm5) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

#6

Jan 28, 2026

Clerk's Notice of Redaction Responsibilities and Privacy Protection. Parties notified, filed. (SDTX_CMECF_AutoDocket, ) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan 28, 2026

Referral Judge Selected

#7

Jan 29, 2026

ORDER. Having reviewed the Petition, the Respondent is hereby ORDERED to submit a response and serve it on Petitioner no later than February 9, 2025. Additionally, in order to maintain the status quo while the Court considers Petitioners habeas petition and to preserve this Courts jurisdiction, it is further ORDERED that Respondents may not transfer Petitioner outside of this Courts jurisdiction while the matter remains pending.(Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (egg5) (Entered: 01/29/2026)

Jan 29, 2026

Filing Fee Filing fee: $5.00 re: 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus,, receipt number 500001680, filed. (EmmanuelGarcia, 5)

Jan 29, 2026

Filing Fee Received

#8

Feb 09, 2026

RESPONSE TO THE PETITION FOR WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS AND MOTION TO DISMISS AND, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, filed by Kristi Noem. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 I-213, # 2 Exhibit 2 Notice to Appear, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Order of the Immigration Judge (IJ) (June 25, 2025), # 4 Exhibit 4 - Withholding of Removal, # 5 Exhibit 5 - DHS Appeal of Withholding of Removal, # 6 Exhibit 6 - Order of the Immigration Judge (January 28, 2026)) (Iglesias, Alyssa) (Entered: 02/09/2026)

#9

Feb 10, 2026

Notice of Filing Exhibits by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (rlt5) (Entered: 02/10/2026)

#10

Feb 19, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Evan S. Qarana on behalf of Kristi Noem, filed. (Qarana, Evan) (Entered: 02/19/2026)

#11

Feb 23, 2026

PETITIONER'S REPLY / TRAVERSE IN OPPOSITION TO RESPONDENTS' MOTION TO DISMISS AND MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT to 8 Response, filed by Ilia Arsentiev. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (mtl5) (Entered: 02/24/2026)

#12

Feb 23, 2026

MOTION Request for Copy of Respondents' Response and AttachmentMotions referred to Christopher dos Santos. by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/16/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (rlt5) Modified on 7/16/2026 (tat5). (Entered: 02/24/2026)

#13

Feb 25, 2026

ORDER. On January 29, 2026, the Court ordered Respondents to respond to Petitioners Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and serve it on petitioner. (Dkt. 7.) Respondents submitted a timely response and certificate of service noting that the response was electronically filed which will send a notice of electronic filing to all counsel of record. (Dkt. 8 at 9.) However, Petitioner is pro se and did not receive the electronic filing. On February 23, 2026, Petitioner submitted a request for a copy of Respondents response and attachments. (Dkt. 12.) Accordingly, the Clerk of Court is DIRECTED to mail Respondents Response and associated attachments, (Dkt. 8), to Petitioner by any receipted means. It is so ordered. (Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (akp5) (Entered: 02/25/2026)

#15

Feb 27, 2026

MOTION for Access to Court Records Through Authorized Third Party, Pacer Access, Permission for Lay Assistance, Limited Filing Authorization, and Alternative Service by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 3/20/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (jb5) (Entered: 03/02/2026)

#16

Apr 21, 2026

Petitioner's Emergency MOTION to Expedite Consideration by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 5/12/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (scg5) (Entered: 04/21/2026)

#18

May 11, 2026

Petitioner's Request for Status, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (scg5) (Entered: 05/13/2026)

#19

May 11, 2026

Letter in Support of Expedited Consideration and Release, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (scg5) (Entered: 05/13/2026)

#17

May 12, 2026

Correspondence to the Court by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. (vrc5) (Entered: 05/12/2026)

#20

Jun 02, 2026

NOTICE of Setting. Parties notified. Status Conference set for 6/10/2026 at 11:00 AM in Courtroom 3A before Judge Diana Saldana, filed. The Court will allow all parties to appear by video conference - Zoom Link to be provided. (vrc5) (Entered: 06/02/2026)

Jun 03, 2026

Notice of Appearance - USA (Govt Use Only)

Jun 03, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Gabriel Getachew Abebe on behalf of Kristi Noem, filed. (Abebe, Gabriel)

#21

Jun 04, 2026

EMERGENCY MOTION by Ilia Arsentiev to permit testimony of Olim Alizhanov as witness/sponsor and to provide a Russian Interpreter for Status Conference, filed. (vrc5) (Entered: 06/04/2026)

#22

Jun 08, 2026

Emergency MOTION to Permit Testimony of Olim Alizhanov as Witness/Sponsor and to Provide Russian Interpreter for Status Conference by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 6/29/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Envelope) (rlt5) (Entered: 06/08/2026)

#23

Jun 08, 2026

ORDER granting 21 Motion. To the extent Petitioner requests that Olim Alizhanov be allowed to attend the hearing, the Motion, (Dkt. 21), is GRANTED. A Russian interpreter will be present during the status hearing and Olim Alizhanov will not need to serve as an interpreter or testify during the hearing. On June 8, 2026, a separate duplicate motion was filed requesting that Olim Alizhanov be allowed to attend the hearing, (Dkt. 22), the Motion is DENIED as MOOT. (Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (vrc5) (Entered: 06/08/2026)

Jun 10, 2026

Status Conference

Jun 10, 2026

Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Diana Saldana. STATUS CONFERENCE held on 6/10/2026. Oath administered to the Petitioner. The Court has reviewed the filings filed by the Petitioner including the emergency motion. The Court has set this Status Conference to see if the Petitioner requires the assistance of an attorney to help him with his case and if the Petitioner qualifies for an attorney to be appointed. Petitioner Ilia Arsentiev confirms that he understands the proceedings and would like an attorney to be appointed to represent him in this matter. The Court recognizes that the Petitioner Ilia Arsentiev was detained in January 2025 and has remained in custody since that time. The Petitioner confirms that he has not earned money since that time, does not have the resources to provide for himself, and does not have any material or financial possessions (stocks, bonds, car, or home). The Court finds that the defendant does qualify for appointment of counsel and will begin to look for someone to appoint who is knowledgeable in these matters. The Court also informs that she will allow newly appointed counsel an opportunity to review all of the filings and amend them if* necessary. The Court considers Mr. Olim Alizhanovs request to be given access to Pacer, the Court does not find it necessary at this time as the Petitioner will have an attorney representing him going forward in this case. TIME: 11:22 AM - 11:43 AM. Appearances:Petitioner Ilia Arsentiev (Pro-Se), Olim Alizhanov (Sponsor for Petitioner), and AUSA Gabriel Getachew for the Respondent (all parties are appearing by Zoom with permission from the Court). INTEPRETER (appearing by zoom): Artur Hakobyan. (ERO:Terry Lozano), filed. (vrc5)

Jul 02, 2026

Notice of Appearance - USA (Govt Use Only)

Jul 02, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Lance G Duke on behalf of Kristi Noem, filed. (Duke, Lance)

#24

Jul 15, 2026

Unopposed MOTION to Amend by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 8/5/2026. (Doak, Micah) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

#25

Jul 15, 2026

***STRICKEN*** MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Alexandra L. Wainwright (Fee Paid: $100, receipt number ATXSDC-36348837) by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 8/5/2026. (Doak, Micah) Modified on 7/17/2026 (jb5). (Entered: 07/15/2026)

#32

Jul 15, 2026

ORDER granting 28 Motion for Nicole M. Smith to Appear Pro Hac Vice Note: Instructions to request Texas Southern CM/ECF registration through PACER are found here.(Signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos) Parties notified. (gg2) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

#26

Jul 16, 2026

ORDER. The Court STRIKES the Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Alexandra L. Wainwright. (Dkt. No. 25 ). Should Ms. Wainwright wish to be admitted pro hac vice, she is ORDERED to re-file the motion herself by July 23, 2026. (Signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos) Parties notified. (jb5) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

#28

Jul 16, 2026

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Nicole M. Smith (Fee Paid: $100, receipt number ATXSDC-36354576)Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/6/2026. (Smith, Nicole) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

#29

Jul 16, 2026

ORDER granting 24 Unopposed MOTION to Amend Scheduling Order. Petitioner's Amended Petition due by 7/22/2026. Respondents Response are due by 8/5/2026. Petitioner's Reply is due by 8/19/2026. Petitioner is ORDERED to inform the Court on or before July 22, 2026, whether he withdraws his pending pro se motions: Motion for Immediate Relief and Expedited Consideration, (Dkt. 2), Motion for Access to Court Records Through Authorized Third Party, (Dkt. 15), Emergency Motion to Expedite Consideration, (Dkt. 16). (Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (var2) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

#30

Jul 16, 2026

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Alexandra L. Wainwright (Fee Paid: $100, receipt number ATXSDC-36357348)Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/6/2026. (Wainwright, Alexandra) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

#31

Jul 16, 2026

MOTION to Appear Pro Hac Vice for Alexandra L. Wainwright (Fee Paid: $100, receipt number ATXSDC-36357348)Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motion Docket Date 8/6/2026. (Wainwright, Alexandra) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

Jul 16, 2026

Notice of Substitution - USA (Govt Use Only)

Jul 16, 2026

Notice of Substitution by Lance G Duke on behalf of Kristi Noem. Attorney Alexander McDonough added. Attorney Alyssa Marie Iglesias; Evan Sahir Qarana; Gabriel Getachew Abebe and Lance G Duke terminated, filed. (Duke, Lance)

#33

Jul 17, 2026

ORDER granting 30 and 31 Motion for Alexandra Lilian Wainwright to Appear Pro Hac Vice Note: Instructions to request Texas Southern CM/ECF registration through PACER are found here(Signed by Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos) Parties notified. (rad6) (Entered: 07/17/2026)

Jul 20, 2026

NOTICE OF APPEARANCE by Alexander Roland McDonough on behalf of Kristi Noem, filed. (McDonough, Alexander)

Jul 20, 2026

Notice of Appearance - USA (Govt Use Only)

#34

Jul 22, 2026

Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw by Ilia Arsentiev, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 8/12/2026. (Wainwright, Alexandra) (Entered: 07/22/2026)

#35

Jul 22, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus (Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ATXSDC-36407101) filed by Ilia Arsentiev. (Wainwright, Alexandra) (Entered: 07/22/2026)

#36

Jul 22, 2026

Clerk's Notice of Redaction Responsibilities and Privacy Protection. Parties notified, filed. (SDTX_CMECF_AutoDocket, ) (Entered: 07/22/2026)

#37

Jul 22, 2026

ORDER granting 34 Unopposed Motion to Withdraw prior filings. (Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (ges5) (Entered: 07/23/2026)

#38

Jul 23, 2026

ORDER (Served electronically on USAO per MOU.)Respondents to SHOW CAUSE and respond to Petitioners Amended Petition on or before August 5, 2026, and Petitioner may file a reply by August 19, 2026. Additionally, it is further ORDERED that Respondents must notify Petitioner and the Court of any anticipated or planned removal of Petitioner outside of the Southern District of Texas at least ten (10) days before any removal is initiated.(Signed by Judge Diana Saldana) Parties notified. (egg5) (Entered: 07/24/2026)

#40

Aug 05, 2026

MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response to Amended Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus by Kristi Noem, filed. Motions referred to Christopher dos Santos. Motion Docket Date 8/26/2026. (McDonough, Alexander) (Entered: 08/05/2026)

#41

Aug 05, 2026

SEALED EXHIBITS re: 40 MOTION for Summary Judgment and Response to Amended Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus by Kristi Noem, filed. (McDonough, Alexander) (Entered: 08/05/2026)

#42

Aug 19, 2026

Reply

#43

Oct 02, 2026

Other Notice