Story perspectives

Judge Orders DHS to Return Deportation Target to U.S.

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 4:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher held the Department of Homeland Security in contempt for deporting E.L.A. to El Salvador.
Gallagher ordered DHS to return E.L.A. to the United States and bar removal until his asylum claim is decided.
The judge required three days’ notice before E.L.A.’s arrival and the return of his property and documents.
The court ordered parties to report E.L.A.’s return status by October 2, 2026.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher held the Department of Homeland Security in contempt for deporting E.L.A. to El Salvador.
Gallagher ordered DHS to return E.L.A. to the United States and bar removal until his asylum claim is decided.
The judge required three days’ notice before E.L.A.’s arrival and the return of his property and documents.
The court ordered parties to report E.L.A.’s return status by October 2, 2026.