Federal Judge Blocks ICE Detention of Severely Disabled Man

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from detaining a severely disabled man, referred to as Doe 2, upon his return to the United States. This ruling follows concerns regarding the legality of his deportation to Mexico, where he was sent under questionable circumstances.

Newsweek

Doe 2, a 50-year-old man with an IQ of 47, has lived in the United States since the early 1990s under the care of a conservator. He has been under conservatorship since 2007 and relies on support from family members, including his brother. Court documents indicate that he has significant cognitive impairments, raising doubts about his ability to consent to his removal from the U.S.

Newsweek

On June 17, 2025, Doe 2 was apprehended by ICE agents while walking in Los Angeles. He was subsequently taken to a detention facility and, despite being a monolingual Spanish speaker, was reported to have signed English-language documents indicating consent to his removal. The court found that no formal removal proceedings had been initiated against him, and he had not appeared before an Immigration Judge.

Newsweek

Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee of the United States District Court for the Central District of California expressed serious concerns regarding the constitutional rights of Doe 2. The judge highlighted that the circumstances surrounding his removal, including the lack of a hearing or judicial review, raised significant due process issues. The court questioned the validity of Doe 2's purported consent, given his documented disabilities and status as a conservatee.

Newsweek

The temporary restraining order halts any further detention of Doe 2 by ICE while the case is reviewed. The ruling reflects a growing scrutiny of ICE practices, particularly in light of the Trump administration's mass deportation policies. Federal courts have increasingly pushed back against what they perceive as potential violations of due process rights in immigration enforcement.

Newsweek

The Department of Homeland Security has criticized judicial rulings that impede deportations, labeling some judges as “activist judges.” This case exemplifies the tension between immigration authorities and the judiciary, as courts seek to ensure that individuals' rights are protected during the deportation process.

Newsweek

Following his deportation, Doe 2 experienced a mental health crisis and was hospitalized in Tijuana, Mexico. He is currently staying with extended family members. The temporary restraining order is expected to remain in effect while further hearings are scheduled to determine the need for longer-term protections for Doe 2.

Newsweek

• "Doe 2’s purported 'consent' to removal is cast in serious doubt by Doe 2’s documented and apparent disabilities and status as a conservatee." — Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee, United States District Court for the Central District of California

Newsweek

• "No removal proceedings were, or have been, initiated against Doe 2. Doe 2 has not appeared before an Immigration Judge." — Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee, United States District Court for the Central District of California

Newsweek