District of New Jersey • 2:26-cv-10269

#1

Aug 13, 2026

PETITION for Writ of Habeas Corpus ( Filing fee $ 5 receipt number ANJDC-17799396.), filed by ELIAS DEL CID ZELAYA. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit)(MARK, ERIC) (Entered: 08/13/2026)

#2

Aug 13, 2026

ORDER. Respondents are hereby enjoined from transferring Petitioner from New Jersey pending further Order of the Court. Signed by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 8/13/26. (jbb) (Entered: 08/13/2026)

Aug 13, 2026

Add and Terminate Judges

Aug 13, 2026

Judge Claire C. Cecchi added. (jbb)

#3

Aug 17, 2026

NOTICE of Appearance by ALEXANDER JUDKA on behalf of TODD BLANCHE, HELEN GRIMES, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, RUBEN PEREZ (JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/17/2026)

#4

Aug 17, 2026

Letter from United States Attorney's Office re: Petitioner's Criminal History and Location. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A - Criminal History Report)(JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/17/2026)

#5

Aug 18, 2026

Letter from United States Attorney's Office re: Petitioner's Transfer and Status Report. (JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/18/2026)

#6

Aug 19, 2026

TEXT ORDER - Before the Court is a letter from Respondents indicating that Petitioner was transferred from Delaney Hall Detention Facility in Newark, New Jersey, to Louisiana, on August 13, 2026--the same date that Petitioner filed his petition for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 8 U.S.C § 2241. ECF No. 4. Respondents indicate that they are working with ICE to ascertain additional information regarding the timing of Petitioner's transfer. Id. It is ORDERED that Respondents shall update this court by August 20, 2026, regarding the timing of Peititoner's transfer out of this District. So Ordered by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 8/19/2026. (jl, ) (Entered: 08/19/2026)

Aug 19, 2026

Text Order

#7

Aug 20, 2026

Letter from United States Attorney's Office re: Petitioner's Transfer and Status Update. (JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/20/2026)

#8

Aug 20, 2026

TEXT ORDER - The Court previously ordered Respondents to release Petitioner or provide an expedited answer within 48 hours. ECF No. 2. Respondents filed a letter in accordance with that Order and provided evidence of one dismissed criminal charge. ECF No. 4. Specifically, Respondents state that Petitioner was charged with aggravated assault in 2010 and that the charge was dismissed. Id. at 1. Respondents do not argue that this dismissed charge, which occurred approximately 16 years ago, subjects Petitioner to mandatory detention under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c) or makes him a danger or flight risk. See generally id. In his filings, Petitioner acknowledges this criminal history, e.g., ECF No. 1 4, but states that release is nonetheless appropriate. The Court agrees. Accordingly, the Court finds that Petitioner is being unlawfully detained under 8 U.S.C. § 1225 and Respondents are hereby ORDERED to release Petitioner in New Jersey within 48 hours of entry of this Order and shall file a status report of compliance within three (3) days of Petitioner's release. So Ordered by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 8/20/2026. (jl, ) (Entered: 08/20/2026)

#9

Aug 20, 2026

Letter from United States Attorney's Office re: Request for Extension of Time to Release Petitioner on Consent. (JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/20/2026)

Aug 20, 2026

Text Order

#10

Aug 24, 2026

Letter from United States Attorney's Office re: Petitioner's Release. (JUDKA, ALEXANDER) (Entered: 08/24/2026)

#11

Aug 25, 2026

LETTER ORDER closing case and lifting all temporary restraints. Signed by Judge Claire C. Cecchi on 8/25/2026. (lag, ) (Entered: 08/25/2026)