Original Date Announced

NBC News reports that there is "a growing pattern" of the Trump administration placing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients in removal proceedings despite court rulings upholding DACA status, including a DACA recipient who accidentally took a highway exit into Mexico. Department of Homeland Security Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin asserted that "DACA does not confer any form of legal status in this country" and that "a DACA recipient may be subject to arrest and deportation."

Trump 2.0 [ID #1875]

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.09.02 Habeas Petition - Catalina Santiago v. Noem

The National Immigration Project, Benoit Legal, Islas Law Firm, Novo Legal, and Singleton Schreiber filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging the detention of a DACA recipient named Catalina "Xóchitl" Santiago Santiago, who was arrested at the El Paso International Airport. Santiago argues that her detention despite her DACA status deprives her of liberty without due process, is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act, was an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment, and violates DHS's own DACA and warrantless-arrest regulations. Catalina Santiago v. Noem, No. 3:25-cv-00361 (W.D. Tex.).

**Link to case here. Our litigation entries generally report only the initial complaint and any major substantive filings or decisions. For additional information, CourtListener provides access to PACER and all available pleadings. Other sites that track litigation in more detail or organize cases by topic include Civil Rights Clearinghouse, Justice Action Center, National Immigration Litigation Alliance, and Just Security**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.09.03 Habeas Petition - Gamez Lira v. Noem

The ACLU of New Mexico and Singleton Schreiber, LLP filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging the detention of a 28-year-old DACA recipient, Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira, who was arrested in his driveway in El Paso, TX. Gamez argues that his detention despite his DACA status deprives him of liberty without due process, is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), was an unreasonable seizure under the Fourth Amendment, and violates DHS's own DACA and warrantless-arrest regulations.

Gamez is one of many DACA recipients detained by ICE in recent months. The ACLU of New Mexico reports that, since Gamez's detention, immigration officials have repeatedly encouraged him to voluntarily self-deport. Gamez Lira v. Noem, No. 1:25-cv-00855 (D.N.M.).

**Link to case here. See litigation note above**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.09.24 Order Granting Habeas Petition - Gamez Lira v. Noem

District Judge William Johnson granted Gamez Lira's habeas petition -- which the government did not oppose insofar as he requested release -- and ordered his release. Gamez Lira v. Noem, No. 1:25-cv-00855 (D.N.M.).

**Link to case here. See litigation note above**

Subsequent Trump and Court Action

2025.10.01 Order Granting Habeas - Catalina Santiago v. Noem

District Judge Kathleen Cardone granted Catalina Santiago's habeas petition, in part, on procedural due process grounds. The Court ordered that Santiago be released from custody no later than 4:00 pm on October 2, 2025. The order stated that "there is 'no legal basis to detain [her],' and her immediate release is warranted." Catalina Santiago v. Noem, No. 3:25-cv-00361 (W.D. Tex.).

**Link to case here. See litigation note above**