Southern District of California • 3:25-cv-03742

#1

Dec 23, 2025

Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus against Daniel Brightman, Christopher G. LaRose, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ACASDC-20613207.), filed by Luz Elsa Cruz. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)The new case number is 3:25-cv-3742-CAB-KSC. Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo and Magistrate Judge Karen S. Crawford are assigned to the case. (Kraus, Karla)(ggv) (anh). (Entered: 12/23/2025)

#2

Dec 23, 2025

MOTION for Temporary Restraining Order by Luz Elsa Cruz. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support of TRO)(ggv) (anh). (Entered: 12/23/2025)

#3

Dec 30, 2025

ORDER (1) Partially Denying Temporary Restraining Order; (2) Setting Briefing Schedule on Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus and Temporary Restraining Order. Signed by Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo on 12/30/2025.(anh) (Entered: 12/30/2025)

#4

Jan 02, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas Merritt on behalf of Daniel Brightman, Christopher G. LaRose, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Merritt, Thomas)Attorney Thomas Merritt added to party Daniel Brightman(pty:res), Attorney Thomas Merritt added to party Christopher G. LaRose(pty:res), Attorney Thomas Merritt added to party Kristi Noem(pty:res), Attorney Thomas Merritt added to party U.S. Department of Homeland Security(pty:res) (anh). (Entered: 01/02/2026)

#5

Jan 06, 2026

RETURN TO PETITION by Daniel Brightman, Christopher G. LaRose, Kristi Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Wilson Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Exhibits A - D)(Merritt, Thomas) (anh). (Entered: 01/06/2026)

#6

Jan 14, 2026

ORDER: Granting Habeas Petition [Doc. No. 1 ]; and (2) Denying Motion for Temporary Restraining Order as Moot [Doc. No. 2 ]. Signed by Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo on 1/14/2026. (anh)

#7

Jan 14, 2026

CLERK'S JUDGMENT. IT IS SO ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that based on the foregoing, Petitioners request for a writ of habeas corpus is GRANTED such that the Court ORDERS Respondents to immediately release Petitioner from custody under the same conditions of release that existed immediately prior to her December 18, 2025 re-detention. The Court DENIES the motion for a TRO as moot.(anh) (Entered: 01/14/2026)