Unreported / Non-Citable
Background
Petitioner Baldev David L., an immigration detainee held at the California City Detention Facility, filed an application for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241 challenging his continued detention. The matter was referred to a United States Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and Local Rule 302 for findings and recommendations. On October 14, 2026, the magistrate judge filed findings and recommendations (ECF No. 9), which were served on all parties with notice that any objections were to be filed within three days.
Neither party filed objections to the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations. The district court, presided over by Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley, reviewed the entire file de novo as to conclusions of law and presumed the magistrate judge's factual findings to be correct under Ninth Circuit precedent. The court found the findings and recommendations to be supported by the record and by proper analysis, leading to the adoption of the magistrate judge's recommendations in full.
The Court’s Holding
The district court adopted the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations filed October 14, 2026 (ECF No. 9) in their entirety. The court granted the Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus (ECF No. 1) and ordered respondents to immediately release Petitioner (A# 040-056-287) from custody. At the time of release, respondents must return all of Petitioner's documents and possessions, and must file a notice of compliance with this provision within two court days from the date of the order.
The court further enjoined respondents from re-detaining Petitioner unless they obtain a travel document for his removal if necessary, provide a minimum of seven days' pre-deprivation notice, and follow all procedures set forth in 8 C.F.R. §§ 241.4(l), 241.13(i), and any other applicable statutory and regulatory procedures. The Clerk of the Court was directed to serve a copy of the order on the California City Detention Facility, enter judgment in favor of Petitioner, and close the case.
Key Takeaways
- The court granted habeas relief to an immigration detainee and ordered immediate release from the California City Detention Facility.
- Respondents are enjoined from re-detaining the petitioner without first obtaining a travel document, providing seven days' pre-deprivation notice, and complying with 8 C.F.R. §§ 241.4(l) and 241.13(i).
- The district court adopted the magistrate judge's findings and recommendations in full after neither party filed objections within the three-day window.
- The court required respondents to return all of petitioner's documents and possessions upon release and to file a notice of compliance within two court days.
- Judgment was entered in favor of petitioner and the case was closed.
Why It Matters
This order represents a substantive ruling on the merits of a habeas corpus petition challenging immigration detention, resulting in the petitioner's immediate release and imposing procedural safeguards against future re-detention. The court's injunction requiring compliance with specific regulatory procedures—including obtaining travel documents, providing seven days' pre-deprivation notice, and following 8 C.F.R. §§ 241.4(l) and 241.13(i)—establishes enforceable due process protections for the petitioner.
The adoption of the magistrate judge's findings without objection underscores the procedural finality that attaches when parties fail to timely challenge a magistrate's recommendations in habeas proceedings. The order also demonstrates the district court's willingness to impose detailed injunctive conditions on immigration authorities to prevent unlawful re-detention.