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LGBTQ Jamaican Asylum Seeker Detained by ICE Despite CAT Protection, Wins Court-Ordered Release

May 14, 2026·Location: Willits, CA

Country of origin: Jamaica

Otis Nicholas Ffriend, a Jamaican LGBTQ asylum seeker who had been granted Convention Against Torture withholding of removal in November 2024, was arrested without a warrant by ICE agents at his California home on May 1, 2026. He had been complying with supervision requirements and living with his U.S. citizen wife. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring his immediate release and barring re-detention without a hearing. After the government moved to dissolve the order, U.S. District Judge William H. Orrick granted a preliminary injunction on May 14, 2026, continuing Ffriend's release pending further proceedings. The government has since appealed the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Timeline

May 14, 2026—Judge William H. Orrick granted a preliminary injunction continuing his release after the government moved to dissolve the TRO
May 14, 2026—Government appealed the ruling to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
May 1, 2026—Arrested without a warrant by ICE agents at his California home; federal court issued a temporary restraining order requiring his immediate release and barring re-detention without a hearing
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