District of New Jersey • 1:26-cv-02433

#1

Mar 09, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ANJDC-17176461.), filed by ALFRED ASOMBANG NJIFON. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(SONKEY, SAUVE) (Entered: 03/09/2026)

Mar 10, 2026

Judge Karen M. Williams added. (jml, )

Mar 10, 2026

Add and Terminate Judges

#2

Mar 11, 2026

TEXT ORDER - The Court has reviewed the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241 filed by Petitioner, Alfred Asombang Njifon, who is presently detained at the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. (ECF No. 1.) Petitioner alleges that he has been detained by ICE since November 26, 2025 without an individualized bond determination, and further, that because removal is not forseeable, his detention violates the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment. (Id.) Accordingly, it is ORDERED that Respondents shall SHOW CAUSE, no later than March 18, 2026, why the Petition for habeas corpus relief should not be granted. Petitioner may file a reply within three (3) business days after Respondents file their answer. Petitioner shall serve a copy of this Order and the habeas petition upon Respondents within two (2) business days of entry of this Order and promptly file proof of service on the docket. Petitioner shall not be removed from New Jersey during the pendency of these proceedings. So Ordered by Judge Karen M. Williams on March 11, 2026. (Williams, Karen) (Entered: 03/11/2026)

Mar 11, 2026

Text Order

#3

Mar 12, 2026

Certificate of Service

#4

Mar 16, 2026

Notice of Appearance

#5

Mar 18, 2026

Response to Habeas Petition

#6

Mar 19, 2026

Response (NOT Motion)

Mar 20, 2026

QC - Document Not Signed by Attorney

Mar 20, 2026

CLERK'S QUALITY CONTROL MESSAGE - The 6 RESPONSE submitted by SAUVE SONKEY on 3/19/2026 did not contain a proper electronic signature (s/). PLEASE RESUBMIT THE DOCUMENT WITH THE PROPER ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE (s/ Attorney's Name.) This submission will remain on the docket unless otherwise ordered by the court. (sms2)

#7

Mar 21, 2026

Response (NOT Motion)

#8

Mar 23, 2026

TEXT ORDER - The Court has reviewed the Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241 (ECF No. 1) and the parties' submissions (ECF Nos. 5, 6). Petitioner challenges his continued immigration detention without an individualized bond hearing. (ECF No. 1 at 6.) Respondents assert detention is authorized under U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1) (ECF No. 5 at 2). On the current record, Petitioner appears to be subject to discretionary detention under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a), which provides for an individualized bond determination before an Immigration Judge. See Rivas Rodriguez v. Rokosky, No. 25-17419 (CPO), 2025 WL 3485628 (D.N.J. Dec. 3, 2025) (interpreting Section 1225(b)(1)). Accordingly, it is ORDERED that the Petition is GRANTED IN PART to the extent that Petitioner shall receive an individualized bond hearing pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a) before an Immigration Judge within seven (7) days of the entry of this Order. It is further ORDERED that Respondents shall file a status update with this Court within three (3) days after the bond hearing, advising the Court of the outcome of the hearing and attaching a copy of the Immigration Judge's written order. So Ordered by Judge Karen M. Williams on March 23, 2026. (Williams, Karen) (Entered: 03/23/2026)

Mar 23, 2026

Text Order

#9

Mar 30, 2026

Status Report

#10

Apr 01, 2026

Letter

#11

Apr 01, 2026

TEXT ORDER - In light of the Court's Order entered on March 23, 2026 (ECF No. 8), directing Respondents to provide Petitioner with a bond hearing pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a), and Petitioner's subsequent submission that the determination of the Immigration Judge "fails to consider material evidence and rests on speculative conclusions" (ECF No. 9 at 2-3) the Court finds it appropriate to determine whether the bond hearing comported with the requirements of due process and fundamental fairness. See, e.g., Singh v. Holder, 638 F.3d 1196, 1203-05 (9th Cir. 2011). The Court is in receipt of Respondents submission which contends that the Court lacks jurisdiction to revisit the Immigration Judge's discretionary determination. (ECF No. 10.) In order to assess whether the bond hearing comported with due process, the Court requires a more thoroughly developed record. Accordingly, Respondents are ORDERED to submit (1) the transcript of the March 30, 2026 bond hearing, or if unavailable, an audio recording of the hearing; and (2) any written decision or oral ruling issued by the Immigration Judge setting forth the basis for the bond determination. Respondents' submission shall be filed on or before April 8,2026. Petitioner may file a reply on or before April 11, 2026. So Ordered by Judge Karen M. Williams on April 1, 2026. (Williams, Karen) (Entered: 04/01/2026)

Apr 01, 2026

Text Order

#12

Apr 08, 2026

Letter

#13

Apr 10, 2026

Response (NOT Motion)