Middle District of Florida • 3:26-cv-00986

#1

Apr 22, 2026

First PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus - Federal (Filing fee $ 5 receipt number AFLMDC-24832731) filed by Jose Rafael Benitez Ibarra. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit)(Bane, Frank) (Entered: 04/22/2026)

#2

Apr 23, 2026

NEW CASE ASSIGNED to Judge Wendy W. Berger and Magistrate Judge Samuel J. Horovitz. New case number: 3:26-cv-00986-WWB-SJH. (LAW) (Entered: 04/23/2026)

Apr 23, 2026

Case Assigned/Reassigned

#3

Apr 24, 2026

NOTICE TO COUNSEL AND PARTIES: The Middle District of Florida's revised Local Rules become effective November 1, 2025, and can be found on the Court's public website https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/local-rules. Additionally, the undersigned has issued Standing Orders, available at https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/judges/wendy-berger, that apply to all proceedings before the undersigned. For a just and efficient resolution of this case, the parties are DIRECTED to read and comply with the Middle District of Florida's Local Rules and this Court's Standing Orders. See Local Rule 1.01(a). Failure to comply with ANY Local Rules or Court Orders may result in the imposition of sanctions including, but not limited to, the dismissal of this action or entry of default without further notice. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 4/24/2026. (CKS) (Entered: 04/24/2026)

Apr 24, 2026

Order

#4

Apr 30, 2026

ORDER to respond and show cause why the petition should not be granted. The Clerk is directed to serve the petition. Response to petition due by 6/1/2026. The Petitioner has 30 days to reply to the response to petition. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 4/30/2026. (CAW) (Entered: 04/30/2026)

#5

Jun 01, 2026

RESPONSE to 1 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus by Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B)(Connally, Charlie) (Entered: 06/01/2026)

#6

Jun 16, 2026

REPLY re 5 Response to habeas petition by Jose Rafael Benitez Ibarra. (Bane, Frank) (Entered: 06/16/2026)

#7

Jul 29, 2026

ORDER that the Petition 1 is GRANTED as stated herein. Within seven days of the date of this Order, Respondents shall either afford Petitioner an individualized bond hearing consistent with 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a) or release Petitioner. Directions to the Clerk. Signed by Judge Wendy W. Berger on 7/29/2026. (JND) (Entered: 07/29/2026)

#8

Jul 30, 2026

JUDGMENT granting Jose Rafael Benitez Ibarra's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus. ( Signed by Deputy Clerk) (LD) (Entered: 07/30/2026)

#9

Aug 11, 2026

First MOTION to Reopen Case by Jose Rafael Benitez Ibarra. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Notice of Florida Bond Hearing, # 2 Exhibit DHS Notice of Change of Address, # 3 Exhibit Florida Order re Bond, # 4 Exhibit Notice of Louisiana Bond Hearing, # 5 Exhibit Louisiana Order re Bond)(Bane, Frank) Motions referred to Magistrate Judge Samuel J. Horovitz. (Entered: 08/11/2026)

#10

Aug 12, 2026

ENDORSED ORDER directing Respondents to respond by 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2026, to 9 Petitioner's Emergency Motion to Reopen and Enforce Judgment and for Immediate Release. Signed by Magistrate Judge Samuel J. Horovitz on 8/12/2026. (CAW) (Entered: 08/12/2026)

Aug 12, 2026

Order directing response to motion

#11

Aug 13, 2026

RESPONSE to Motion re 9 First MOTION to Reopen Case filed by Markwayne Mullin, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Connally, Charlie) (Entered: 08/13/2026)