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Immigrants file 18,000 habeas petitions to challenge ICE detention

Mar 12, 2026

Immigrants file 18,000 habeas petitions to challenge ICE detention

Since Trump returned to the White House, immigrants filed more than 18,000 habeas petitions challenging their ICE detention in federal courts. This exceeded the total filed over the last three administrations combined. Immigration lawyers shifted strategies to argue for clients' release in district courts rather than immigration courts. The increase created a burden on federal prosecutors' offices, particularly in border states like Arizona and Texas.

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