DACA recipient Joel Angel-Becerril freed after three months in ICE custody, removal case dismissed
Feb 24, 2026 · Omaha, NE, Mexico
Joel Angel-Becerril, a 27-year-old DACA recipient from Omaha, was released from Sarpy County Jail on February 20, 2026, after nearly three months in ICE custody. His release followed a federal judge's mid-February order declaring his detention without a bond hearing unlawful. An Omaha Immigration Court judge subsequently dismissed his removal proceedings on Friday, February 24, 2026, finding that his DACA status provided protection against deportation. Angel-Becerril had filed a civil rights lawsuit with the ACLU of Nebraska, which intervened in the case.
Timeline
Feb 24, 2026—Omaha Immigration Court judge dismissed removal proceedings, finding DACA status provides protection against deportation
Feb 20, 2026—Angel-Becerril released from ICE custody
Feb 14, 2026—Federal judge ordered Angel-Becerril's release, finding his detention without a bond hearing unlawful
Nov 2025—Joel Angel-Becerril detained by ICE and held at Sarpy County Jail on ICE detainer
Sources
More incidents in Nebraska
- ICE detainees describe fear, wildfire smoke, and prayer at McCook facilityJul 13, 2026 · McCook, NE
- One person detained in Columbus ICE operation targeting deportation order non-complianceJun 26, 2026 · Columbus, NE
- Refugee detained at ICE appointment after 24 years complying with supervision orderJun 8, 2026 · Lincoln, NE
- Mother detained in ICE meatpacking raid, son left supporting family while 76 arrestedJun 2026 · Omaha, NE
- Nebraska federal courts face unprecedented wave of 60-plus wrongful detention petitionsMar 25, 2026 · Omaha, NE
- Salvadoran woman released from ICE detention after federal judge orders bondMar 13, 2026 · Lincoln, NE