After months in ICE detention over what began as a wrong turn near the U.S.-Mexico border, a CAIR-SFBA immigration client is finally home with his family.
Detained After an Accidental Border Crossing
The client accidentally crossed into Mexico in December after missing an exit while dropping off a rideshare passenger near the border. When he returned to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained him and treated the crossing as an attempted unlawful entry, even though he joined the standard inspection line, presented himself to the officers, explained the situation and presented evidence of his pending asylum application. He was later transferred to ICE custody.
Because he was classified as an “arriving alien,” the government took the position that he had no right whatsoever to a bond hearing, where he could ask an immigration judge to release him while his asylum case continued.
CAIR-SFBA Challenges His Detention
CAIR-SFBA filed a federal habeas petition challenging his detention. That led to a bond hearing, where our legal team presented the case for his release and represented him before the immigration judge. Alhamdulillah, the judge granted bond, and he was released.
His immigration case is not over. CAIR-SFBA continues to represent him in his asylum proceedings and is also challenging the requirement that he wear an ankle monitor.
Why This Work Matters
This case is one example of why our immigration work matters. When detention separates people from their families and puts their futures in jeopardy, having an attorney who can challenge the government’s actions can make a critical difference.
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