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Haitian student freed after judge grants habeas petition following ICE arrest near campus

Oct 16, 2026·Location: San Diego, CA

Country of origin: Haiti

Haitian student freed after judge grants habeas petition following ICE arrest near campus
Photo via KPBS

Renatho Kemsley Casseus, a 20-year-old Haitian national and student at San Diego City College, was arrested by ICE agents on September 8, 2026, after unmarked vehicles boxed in his car near campus. A fellow passenger, also described as a student, fled on foot onto campus grounds before agents retreated upon realizing they were on college property. Casseus was held at Otay Mesa Detention Center after being denied bond by an immigration judge; his attorney, Wismick Saint-Jean, said he entered the U.S. through a CBP One appointment with an I-94 parole document and has a pending asylum application, while DHS disputed his student status and said he entered without authorization near El Paso, Texas, in May 2023. The arrest prompted a student rally, condemnation from Chancellor Greg Smith and local officials, and a statement that the college does not cooperate with ICE. A federal judge later granted Casseus's habeas corpus petition, ordering his release, and the college district announced new measures including text alerts for enforcement activity and expanded legal support for students.

Timeline

Oct 16, 2026—Federal judge grants habeas corpus petition, ordering Casseus's release from Otay Mesa Detention Center
Sep 8, 2026—Renatho Casseus arrested by ICE near San Diego City College campus; fleeing passenger pursued onto campus grounds
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