German R. Palencia, an immigration detainee held at the Golden State Annex Detention Facility, filed the habeas petition challenging his prolonged detention without a bond hearing. Palencia, who represented himself in the proceedings, brought claims alleging due process violations and challenging third country removal procedures.
Judge Calabretta adopted the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations in full, granting the petition on due process grounds while denying claims related to third country removal. The court ordered that Palencia receive "a bond hearing before a neutral decisionmaker within fourteen (14) days" where "the government bears the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence that petitioner poses a danger to the community or a flight risk," according to the order.
The case was initially referred to a magistrate judge under federal procedural rules, with the magistrate filing findings and recommendations on March 25, 2026. Respondents filed objections to those recommendations, but Judge Calabretta found the magistrate's analysis supported by the record after conducting de novo review of the legal conclusions.
The ruling provides relief for an immigration detainee challenging indefinite detention, with the court directing respondents to file a status report within seven days of the bond hearing due to Palencia's pro se status. The decision demonstrates successful habeas challenges to immigration detention practices when due process violations are established.