San Diego Judge Grants Habeas Corpus Petition
A federal judge in San Diego granted a habeas corpus petition on Friday, ordering the release of 20-year-old Haitian college student Renatho Kemsley Casseus from immigration detention. The ruling followed a hearing at the United States Courthouse in downtown San Diego.
United States District Judge Cynthia Bashant issued the order after hearing arguments regarding the legality of Casseus's continued confinement. Attorney Wismick Saint-Jean, representing Casseus, argued that the student's detention was unlawful and questioned whether the government possesses the authority to hold him indefinitely.
Saint-Jean stated he was "very excited" and "very happy" regarding the judge's agreement that Casseus should be released immediately. Haitian Bridge Alliance co-founder Wister Gaetan, who accompanied Saint-Jean into the courthouse, expressed hope that the community would view the victory as a step toward due process and justice.
Dispute Over Entry Legality
The case centers on conflicting accounts of how Casseus entered the United States. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson stated that Casseus illegally entered the country on May 12, 2023, through El Paso, Texas. The spokesperson noted that he was released into the country by the Biden administration at that time.
Saint-Jean disputed the DHS account. He stated that Casseus entered with a CBP One appointment and an I-94 parole document, arguing that these documents made his entry lawful. The attorney's legal challenge focused on whether the detention itself remained valid given these circumstances.
Arrest and Institutional Response
Casseus, a student at San Diego City College, was taken into immigration detention on September 8 while on his way to classes. His arrest is part of broader enforcement actions targeting Haitians following the Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti in late July.
In response to the incident, the San Diego Community College District announced changes to strengthen its response to immigration enforcement on campus. These measures include text alerts and expanded legal support services for students.
The district also raised funds to help pay Casseus's legal bills. City College President Ricky Shabazz expressed relief at the ruling, stating that ICE and Homeland Security should not impact the education of students.
The college district continues to advocate with congressional representatives for legislation preventing immigration enforcement activity at sensitive locations such as educational facilities.