In brief
Immigration advocates in San Diego have filed a lawsuit challenging the arrests of individuals during routine ICE check-ins, claiming these actions violate their due process rights. The case centers around Chancely Fanfan from Haiti, who was detained without explanation after appearing for a scheduled hearing. The lawsuit seeks to certify a class of affected individuals, potentially exceeding 100 arrests since October. Advocates argue these detentions are unlawful, noting many had previously been cleared for release. A federal judge will decide the fate of the detained and the legality of the ICE practices.
SAN DIEGO — A group of immigration lawyers is taking a stand against the recent routine arrests of immigrants at ICE check-ins, claiming significant violations of due process rights. This movement follows the case of Chancely Fanfan, a Haitian immigrant, who was unexpectedly detained just after showing up for what he believed was a standard immigration court hearing and a routine check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Fanfan, along with his wife and infant child, arrived at the hearing on October 20, only to find himself handcuffed and detained without explanation. According to his legal representation, Fanfan had complied fully with all previous summons from ICE following his arrival in the United States the previous year. The lawsuit filed in federal court cites similar incidents affecting at least two others who were also apprehended during their check-ins in this period.
'Our petitioners have shown consistent compliance with the law; they have no criminal history,' the legal representatives stated in their petition. The document calls attention to the growing number of distressing incidents where immigrants find themselves detained upon returning for follow-up appointments that they previously complied with.
Reports suggest that these arrests have surged since early October, creating considerable anxiety among immigrant communities in San Diego. Observers have noted instances of individuals being led away in handcuffs during what should be straightforward administrative check-ins. Advocates are becoming increasingly concerned about the implications of this shift, highlighting the atmosphere of fear developing around ICE processes.
The lawsuit seeks both a declaration of the unlawful nature of these detentions and a release for the impacted individuals. As pressure mounts on the Department of Homeland Security to explain its practices, advocates are awaiting a court's response amidst an atmosphere of uncertainty and rising tension within immigrant communities.
