District of New Jersey • 1:26-cv-01325

#1

Feb 10, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by ANDREW BEN WU on behalf of WILBER ALFONSO MEJIA CASTRO (WU, ANDREW) (Entered: 02/10/2026)

#2

Feb 10, 2026

First PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus UNDER 28 U.S.C.2241 ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ANJDC-17084138.), filed by WILBER ALFONSO MEJIA CASTRO. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A; ICE LOCATOR, # 2 Civil Cover Sheet)(WU, ANDREW) Modified: text information on 2/11/2026 (aji, ). (Entered: 02/10/2026)

Feb 10, 2026

Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb added. (mmb)

Feb 10, 2026

Add and Terminate Judges

#3

Feb 11, 2026

TEXT ORDER Petitioner Alfonso Mejia-Castro has filed a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus under 28 U.S.C. § 2241, Dkt. No. 1, in which he alleges that he is unlawfully detained at Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey by immigration authorities under 8 U.S.C. § 1225. Pursuant to Rumsfeld v. Padilla, 542 U.S. 426, 435 (2004) (describing immediate custodian rule under § 2241) this Court substitutes Petitioner's immediate custodian, Luis Soto, as Respondent in this matter. Under this Court's recent decisions in Marca Lemu v. Soto, No. CV 25-17098 (RMB), 2025 WL 3470298, at *3 (D.N.J. Dec. 3, 2025)) (interpreting § 1225(b)(2)), Rivas Rodriguez v. Rokosky, No. 25-17419, 2025 WL 3485628 (D.N.J. Dec. 3, 2025) (interpreting § 1225(b)(1)), as well as other recent decisions in this District interpreting § 1225, the Court holds that Petitioner is subject to lawful, discretionary detention under § 1226(a), which entitles him to a bond hearing. Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the Petition is GRANTED. In accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a), within seven days of this Order, Respondents shall provide Petitioner with an individualized bond hearing before an immigration judge who shall assess whether Petitioner presents a flight risk or a danger to the community pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 236.1(c)(8), (d)(1). Within three 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 within five days of the date of entry of this Order, and Petitioner may file a reply within three days of the date of filing of Respondents' expedited answer. Finally, pursuant to the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1651, Respondents are enjoined from transferring Petitioner from New Jersey while this habeas proceeding is pending. So Ordered by Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb on 02/11/2026. (Costigan, Roberta) (Entered: 02/11/2026)

Feb 11, 2026

Order

Feb 11, 2026

Notice of Judicial Preferences

Feb 11, 2026

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

#4

Feb 12, 2026

Substitution of Attorney