Case: Angelica S. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

1:25-cv-01405 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: May 8, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges an interim final rule (IFR) issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on March 24, 2025, along with related policy changes from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in March and April 2025, both of which concern the release of unaccompanied noncitizen children to family sponsors. Previously, the 2024 ORR “Foundational Rule” had prohibited the agency from rejecting potential sponsors solely based on their immigration status or from collecting their perso…

This case challenges an interim final rule (IFR) issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on March 24, 2025, along with related policy changes from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in March and April 2025, both of which concern the release of unaccompanied noncitizen children to family sponsors.

Previously, the 2024 ORR “Foundational Rule” had prohibited the agency from rejecting potential sponsors solely based on their immigration status or from collecting their personal information for immigration enforcement purposes. However, the March 2025 IFR rescinded these protections by requiring potential sponsors to provide identification and proof of income. Additionally, in March 2025, ORR updated its policy guidelines to impose new identification requirements for sponsors, and in April 2025, ORR further modified its guidelines to mandate proof of income for sponsors. The plaintiffs allege that these changes restrict the ability of undocumented relatives—who often lack the necessary documentation—to serve as sponsors, thereby creating significant obstacles for children seeking to reunite with their families.

On May 9, 2025, five unaccompanied noncitizen children and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center sued HHS and its Secretary, and the head of ORR, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Represented by the National Center for Youth Law and Democracy Forward Foundation, the plaintiffs alleged that the IFR and ORR’s policy changes violate the Administrative Procedure Act. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged that the IFR violated the Administrative Procedure Act as it (i) was issued without the required public notice and comment, (ii) was contrary to, and exceeded, ORR’s statutory obligations, (iii) was contrary to the constitutional right to family unity, and (iv) was arbitrary and capricious. Plaintiffs further contended that ORR’s policy changes contravene the Administrative Procedure Act, as they (i) among other things, conflict with the TVPRA, the 2024 Foundational Rules, and the Paperwork Reduction Act, (ii) are contrary to the constitutional right to family integrity, and (iii) are arbitrary and capricious.” Plaintiffs sought declaratory and injunctive relief. Judge Dabney L. Friedrich was assigned to the case.

On May 9, the plaintiffs filed motions for class certification and a preliminary injunction. They sought to certify a class of all unaccompanied children in HHS custody who had an identified potential sponsor but had not been released due to missing documents required on or after March 7, 2025. The plaintiffs also sought to enjoin the unnecessary separation of unaccompanied immigrant children in ORR custody from their families or other potential sponsors, arguing that the separations resulted from ORR’s refusal to accept a sponsor’s proof of identification or financial stability.

On June 9, 2025, Judge Friedrich granted the plaintiffs’ motion for class certification and partially granted their motion for a preliminary injunction. The court certified a provisional class of unaccompanied children who were in or transferred to HHS custody on or before May 8, 2025, and whose potential sponsors were disqualified or delayed due to the new identification and income documentation requirements implemented on or after March 7, 2025. The court prohibited the enforcement of these new requirements against class members and ordered ORR to inform affected sponsors that they may proceed with their applications. Additionally, the court directed ORR to adjudicate any complete family reunification applications that were denied or delayed due to the revised requirements without regard to the new documentation standards. However, the court declined to enjoin the broader IFR, leaving that policy in effect for the time being. 786 F.Supp.3d 158.

On August 15, 2025, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that (i) added new plaintiffs, (ii) updated the custody and release status of existing plaintiffs, (iii) expanded the factual allegations, and (iv) omitted the two claims asserting that the IFR violated the constitutional right to family unity and that ORR policies violated the constitutional right to family integrity.

The plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on September 12, 2025. Plaintiffs asked the court to grant summary judgment and certify the proposed class. In addition, they requested the court enter an order: (I) vacating the IFR, (II) vacating the March 7 and April 15 revisions to ORR Policy Guide, (III) declaring the policies unlawful, and (IV) enjoining ORR to (i) stop applying the vacated ID and income requirements, (ii) within one day, notify all care providers, contractors, and grantees of the Court’s order and direct them to cease applying the policies, (iii) within 10 days, notify sponsors previously disqualified under the unlawful policies that their applications may proceed, and report compliance (iv) re-adjudicate all sponsorship applications denied or delayed under the IFR or unlawful policies in accordance with regulatory timelines, and report compliance.

On October 1, 2025, in In re: Stay of Civil Proceedings Involving the United States in Light of Lapse of Appropriations, Judge James E. Boasberg determined that the current lapse in appropriations justified extending deadlines in cases involving the United States under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 6 (Standing Order 25-55). He ordered that, as of October 1: 

  • All filing and discovery deadlines imposed on the United States, its agencies, officers, or employees in civil actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia are extended by the length of the lapse in appropriations plus ten days (or plus five days if the lapse is seven days or fewer).
  • Requests for relief from this order must be emailed to both the government attorney and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC. 
  • Deadlines to respond to motions for temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions are not extended; these must be promptly served on the Civil Division. 
  • The U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC must notify the Chief Judge when funding is restored.

On October 14, 2025, the plaintiffs submitted a motion seeking relief from Standing Order 25-55, asking the court to issue an order to establish and recommence the briefing schedule. The plaintiffs argued that both the named plaintiff and other children in ORR custody are suffering harm due to the stay, and that pausing the litigation is not mandated by the Antideficiency Act. Judge Friedrich rejected the request on October 21, 2025, stating that the plaintiffs did not show sufficient good cause to warrant relief from the Standing Order.

Normal court proceedings resumed on November 17.

The case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Scott Shuchart (5/13/2025)

Victoria Tan (8/15/2025)

Dahlia Gottlieb (12/3/2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70225239/parties/angelica-s-v-us-department-of-health-and-human-services/


Judge(s)

Friedrich, Dabney Langhorne (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Gramont, Diane DE (District of Columbia)

Hinojosa, David (District of Columbia)

Liao, Cynthia (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Alas, Dean Phillip (District of Columbia)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-01405

Complaint

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Complaint
10

1:25-cv-01405

Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
35

1:25-cv-01405

Memorandum Opinion

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 1635369

48

1:25-cv-01405

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Angelica S. et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services et al.

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

Complaint
58

1:25-cv-01405

Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment

Angelica S. et al. v. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services et al.

Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70225239/angelica-s-v-us-department-of-health-and-human-services/

Last updated Dec. 3, 2025, 1:44 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-11677464) filed by LIAM W., EDUARDO M., LEO B., ANGELICA S., XAVIER L., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons HHS, # 3 Summons Robert F. Kennedy Jr, # 4 Summons Angie Salazar, # 5 Summons U.S. Attorney General, # 6 Summons U.S. Attorney's Office D.C.)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

1 Civil Cover Sheet

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2 Summons HHS

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3 Summons Robert F. Kennedy Jr

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4 Summons Angie Salazar

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5 Summons U.S. Attorney General

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6 Summons U.S. Attorney's Office D.C.

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May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

3

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Mishan Wroe, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11677713. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

4

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Diane de Gramont, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11677739. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

5

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Neha Desai, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11677770. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing, # 2 Declaration Neha Desai, # 3 Text of Proposed Order)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/08/2025)

May 8, 2025

May 8, 2025

6

NOTICE of Appearance by Joel L. McElvain on behalf of LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

7

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Cynthia Liao, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-11680430. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Certificate of Good Standing)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

8

NOTICE of Appearance by Skye Perryman on behalf of LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. (Perryman, Skye) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

9

MOTION to Certify Class by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit List, # 4 Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit 2, # 6 Exhibit 3, # 7 Exhibit 4, # 8 Exhibit 5, # 9 Exhibit 6, # 10 Exhibit 7, # 11 Exhibit 8, # 12 Exhibit 9, # 13 Exhibit 10, # 14 Exhibit 11, # 15 Exhibit 12)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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3 Exhibit List

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4 Exhibit 1

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5 Exhibit 2

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6 Exhibit 3

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7 Exhibit 4

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8 Exhibit 5

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9 Exhibit 6

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10 Exhibit 7

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11 Exhibit 8

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12 Exhibit 9

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13 Exhibit 10

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14 Exhibit 11

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15 Exhibit 12

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May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
10

MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit List, # 4 Exhibit 1, # 5 Exhibit 1A, # 6 Exhibit 1B, # 7 Exhibit 1C, # 8 Exhibit 1D, # 9 Exhibit 1E, # 10 Exhibit 1F, # 11 Exhibit 1G, # 12 Exhibit 1H, # 13 Exhibit 2, # 14 Exhibit 3, # 15 Exhibit 4, # 16 Exhibit 5)(Hinojosa, David) (Entered: 05/09/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support

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2 Text of Proposed Order

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3 Exhibit List

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4 Exhibit 1

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5 Exhibit 1A

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6 Exhibit 1B

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7 Exhibit 1C

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8 Exhibit 1D

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9 Exhibit 1E

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10 Exhibit 1F

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11 Exhibit 1G

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12 Exhibit 1H

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13 Exhibit 2

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14 Exhibit 3

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15 Exhibit 4

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16 Exhibit 5

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May 9, 2025

May 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
11

NOTICE of Appearance by Christina Parascandola on behalf of All Defendants (Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

12

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 10 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 05/16/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

RECAP

Order on Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym AND Set/Reset Deadlines

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

Order on Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: The Court has reviewed Plaintiffs' 2 Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym and to File Under Seal. Given the expedited nature of this matter, it determines that a full Opinion is not practical at this time. Believing that Plaintiffs have made the required showing on the relevant factors, the Court ORDERS that: 1) The 2 Motion is GRANTED, subject to any further consideration by the United States District Judge to whom this case is randomly assigned; 2) All parties shall use the pseudonyms listed in the Complaint in all documents filed in this action; 3) All documents containing personally identifying information shall be filed under seal, with a redacted public filing made simultaneously or promptly thereafter; and 4) Within fourteen days of this Order, Plaintiffs shall file on the public docket: i) A pseudonymous version of their 2 Motion and any attachments as a Notice to the Court; and ii) A sealed declaration containing their real names and residential addresses. So ORDERED by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on May 16, 2025. (lcjeb3)

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025

13

SUMMONS (5)Issued Electronically as to All Defendants, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zmtm) (Entered: 05/20/2025)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

14

STANDARD ORDER in Civil Cases. See text for details. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on May 20, 2025 (lcdlf3) (Entered: 05/20/2025)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

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Case Assigned/Reassigned

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice AND Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

.Order

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Scheduling Conference AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines/Hearings

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Case Assigned to Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. (zmtm)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. The parties shall appear for a scheduling conference on May 20, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. by telephone. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on May 20, 2025. (lcdlf2)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Scheduling Conference

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

MINUTE ORDER granting 3 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice; 4 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice; 5 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice; and 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. Counsel should register for e-filing via PACER and file a notice of appearance pursuant to LCvR 83.6(a). Click for instructions. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on May 20, 2025. (lcdlf2)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Minute Entry for Telephonic Scheduling Conference held on 5/20/2025 before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich: Responses due by 5pm on 5/23/2025. Replies due by 3pm on 5/27/2025. Motion Hearing, re: 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, set for 5/30/2025 at 9:00 AM in Courtroom 24A (In Person) before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. Court Reporter: Sara Wick. (smc)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. As discussed during the scheduling conference held on May 20, 2025, the Court GRANTS the defendants' unopposed 12 Motion for Extension of Time. Accordingly, the defendants shall respond to the plaintiffs' 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 23, 2025. Any reply in support of the 10 Motion shall be filed on or before 3:00 p.m. on May 27, 2025. A hearing will be held at 9:00 a.m. on May 30, 2025, if the Court does not issue a ruling on the 10 motion before then. In addition, the defendants shall file an opposition to the plaintiffs' 9 Motion for Class Certification on or before June 3, 2025. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on May 20, 2025. (lcdlf2)

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

15

NOTICE of Appearance by Mishan Wroe on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

16

NOTICE of Appearance by Diane DE Gramont on behalf of All Plaintiffs (DE Gramont, Diane) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

17

NOTICE Re: Court's May 16, 2025 Order by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - Previously filed Motion to Proceed by Pseudonym, # 2 Exhibit 2 - Previously filed Memorandum in Support, # 3 Exhibit 3 - Previously filed Proposed Order)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

18

SEALED DOCUMENT filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.(This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Mishan Wroe, # 2 Previously filed Exhibit to Plaintiffs' Motion to Proceed by Pseudonym)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

19

SEALED DOCUMENT filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.(This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Supplemental Declaration of Angelica S., # 2 Declaration of Angelica S., # 3 Declaration of Eduardo M., # 4 Declaration of Liam W., # 5 Declaration of Leo B., # 6 Declaration of Xavier L., # 7 Declaration of Deisy S., # 8 Declaration of Rosa M., # 9 Declaration of Sofia W., # 10 Declaration of Ximena L., # 11 Declaration of J.E.D.M.)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

20

NOTICE of Appearance by Lindsay M. Vick on behalf of ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (Vick, Lindsay) (Entered: 05/22/2025)

May 22, 2025

May 22, 2025

21

Memorandum in opposition to re 10 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Toby Biswas, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D)(Vick, Lindsay) (Entered: 05/23/2025)

1 Declaration of Toby Biswas

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2 Exhibit A

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3 Exhibit B

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4 Exhibit C

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5 Exhibit D

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May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025

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22

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES served on 5/21/2025 (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

23

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR served on 5/20/2025 (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

24

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. ANGIE SALAZAR served on 5/20/2025 (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

25

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 5/22/2025. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

26

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/22/2025. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/21/2025. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

27

REPLY to opposition to motion re 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 05/27/2025)

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025

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28

Unopposed MOTION Leave to Present Divided Argument and to Appear Remotely by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 05/28/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025

MINUTE ORDER granting the plaintiffs' unopposed 28 Motion for Leave to Present Divided Argument and to Appear Remotely. The Court grants leave for Plaintiffs' counsel to divide their oral argument at the May 30, 2025 Motions Hearing among two attorneys who are counsel of record for Plaintiffs. It is further ORDERED that counsel for both parties who are not presenting oral argument may appear remotely, and that a public phone line will be made available. So ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on May 29, 2025 (lcdlf3)

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

.Order

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: The court will provide access for the public to telephonically attend the hearing scheduled for May 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM. The hearing can be accessed by dialing the Toll-Free Number: 833-990-9400 (Meeting ID: 117076001). It is hereby ORDERED that the attendees using the public access telephone line shall adhere to the following: persons remotely accessing court proceedings are reminded of the general prohibition against photographing, recording, and rebroadcasting any court proceedings (including those held by telephone or videoconference). Violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, denial of entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the presiding Judge. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on 5/29/2025. (smc)

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025

Motion Hearing

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

Minute Entry for Motion Hearing held on 5/30/2025 before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich re 10 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction: Oral arguments heard and TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT. Court Reporter: Sara Wick. (smc)

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

29

NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua Clayton McCroskey on behalf of All Defendants (McCroskey, Joshua) (Entered: 06/03/2025)

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

30

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 9 MOTION to Certify Class by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(McCroskey, Joshua) (Entered: 06/03/2025)

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply AND Set/Reset Deadlines

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

MINUTE ORDER granting the defendants' unopposed 30 Motion for Extension of Time. The defendants shall file their response to the 9 Motion to Certify Class on or before June 4, 2025. So ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on June 3, 2025 (lcdlf3)

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

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RESPONSE re 9 MOTION to Certify Class filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

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32

REPLY to opposition to motion re 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction, re Provisional Class Certification filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (DE Gramont, Diane) (Entered: 06/06/2025)

June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

33

NOTICE of Appearance by Rebecca Ruth Wolozin on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Wolozin, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

33

NOTICE of Appearance by Rebecca Ruth Wolozin on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Wolozin, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

34

ORDER granting the plaintiffs' 9 Motion to Certify Class and granting in part and denying in part the plaintiffs' 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See text for details. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on June 9, 2025 (lcdlf3) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
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ORDER granting the plaintiffs' 9 Motion to Certify Class and granting in part and denying in part the plaintiffs' 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See text for details. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on June 9, 2025 (lcdlf3) (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
35

MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding the plaintiffs' 9 Motion to Certify Class and 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See text for details. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on June 9, 2025 (lcdlf3).

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
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MEMORANDUM OPINION regarding the plaintiffs' 9 Motion to Certify Class and 10 Motion for Preliminary Injunction. See text for details. Signed by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on June 9, 2025 (lcdlf3). (Entered: 06/09/2025)

June 9, 2025

June 9, 2025

Clearinghouse
36

NOTICE of Appearance by Cynthia Liao on behalf of LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. (Liao, Cynthia) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

37

REPLY to opposition to motion re 9 Motion to Certify Class, filed by LEO B., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Amended)(Wolozin, Rebecca) (Entered: 06/11/2025)

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025

38

TRANSCRIPT OF MOTION HEARING before Judge Dabney L. Friedrich held on 5/30/2025. Page Numbers: 1-77. Date of Issuance: 7/8/2025. Court Reporter: Sara Wick, telephone number 202-354-3284. Transcripts may be ordered by submitting the Transcript Order FormFor the first 90 days after this filing date, the transcript may be viewed at the courthouse at a public terminal or purchased from the court reporter referenced above. After 90 days, the transcript may be accessed via PACER. Other transcript formats, (multi-page, condensed, CD or ASCII) may be purchased from the court reporter.NOTICE RE REDACTION OF TRANSCRIPTS: The parties have twenty-one days to file with the court and the court reporter any request to redact personal identifiers from this transcript. If no such requests are filed, the transcript will be made available to the public via PACER without redaction after 90 days. The policy, which includes the five personal identifiers specifically covered, is located on our website at www.dcd.uscourts.gov. Redaction Request due 7/29/2025. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/8/2025. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/6/2025.(Wick, Sara) (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

39

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer re 1 Complaint, by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer AND Set/Reset Deadlines

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

MINUTE ORDER granting the defendants' unopposed 39 Motion for Extension of Time. Accordingly, the defendants shall answer or other respond to the plaintiffs' 1 Complaint on or before July 28, 2025. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on July 23, 2025. (lcdlf2)

July 23, 2025

July 23, 2025

40

NOTICE of Appearance by William Charles Silvis on behalf of All Defendants (Silvis, William) (Entered: 07/28/2025)

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

41

Answer to Complaint

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

Status Report Order

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. It is ORDERED that the parties shall MEET AND CONFER and file a joint status report proposing a schedule for proceedings in this matter. The parties shall file the joint status report on or before August 30, 2025. It shall (1) state whether the case would benefit from alternative dispute resolution and whether the parties request referral for mediation or settlement; and (2) propose a schedule in compliance with Local Rule 7(n), including proposed deadlines for filing dispositive motions, a certified list of the contents of the administrative record, and an appendix of the administrative record. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on July 30, 2025. (lcdlf2)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

42

NOTICE of Appearance by Dean Phillip De Las Alas on behalf of All Defendants (De Las Alas, Dean) (Entered: 07/31/2025)

July 31, 2025

July 31, 2025

43

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit A Sealed Answer)(De Las Alas, Dean) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

Aug. 5, 2025

Aug. 5, 2025

44

Unopposed MOTION to Withdraw 41 Answer to Complaint by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order on Motion to Withdraw Answer)(De Las Alas, Dean) (Entered: 08/05/2025)

Aug. 5, 2025

Aug. 5, 2025

45

SEALED DOCUMENT Answer to Complaint filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. re 43 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zdp) (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

.Order

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

MINUTE ORDER granting defendants 43 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal. Pursuant to the Minute Order of May 16, 2025, the portions of the answer containing the personally identifying information of plaintiffs shall be filed under seal. The Clerk of Court is directed to unseal the 43 motion and to file the [43-2] unredacted answer under seal. Pursuant to the Minute Order of May 16, 2025, defendants must file a redacted public filing of the answer simultaneously or promptly thereafter. Defendants unopposed 44 Motion to withdraw the 41 Answer is GRANTED. The Clerk of Court is directed to strike the 41 Answer. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on August 6, 2025. (lcdlf2)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

46

ANSWER to Complaint Redacted Pursuant to 5.16.2025 Minute Order by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.(De Las Alas, Dean) (Entered: 08/08/2025)

Aug. 8, 2025

Aug. 8, 2025

47

ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD CERTIFICATION by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Administrative Record Index)(Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 08/13/2025)

1 Exhibit Administrative Record Index

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Aug. 13, 2025

Aug. 13, 2025

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48

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by LIAM W., EDUARDO M., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, LEO B., ANGELICA S., XAVIER L., MATEO N., YAIR G., DAVID D.. (Attachments: # 1 Redline Comparison of Complaint)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

1 Redline Comparison of Complaint

View on RECAP

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

Clearinghouse
49

SEALED DOCUMENT filed by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. re 48 Amended Complaint (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Notice of Full Address)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

50

SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 08/15/2025)

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

Order on Sealed Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonym

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

MINUTE ORDER: Upon consideration of the plaintiffs' 50 Supplemental Motion for Leave to Proceed Under Pseudonym and File Under Seal, the Motion is GRANTED as to plaintiffs Mateo N., Yair G., David D., and their next friends. The Court ORDERS that the parties proceed consistent with the May 16, 2025 Minute Order. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on August 15, 2025. (lcdlf2) Modified on 8/18/2025 (zsmc).

Aug. 15, 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

51

MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Text of Proposed Order, # 3 Supplement to Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Support of Motion for Class Certification, # 4 Exhibit Index to Supplemental Brief, # 5 Exhibit 1 to Supplemental Brief, # 6 Exhibit 2 to Supplemental Brief, # 7 Exhibit 3 to Supplemental Brief, # 8 Exhibit 4 to Supplemental Brief, # 9 Exhibit 5 to Supplemental Brief, # 10 Exhibit 6 to Supplemental Brief)(Wolozin, Rebecca) (Entered: 08/22/2025)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

MINUTE ORDER directing the defendants to file, on or before September 4, 2025, any opposition to the plaintiffs' 51 Motion to File a Supplemental Brief. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on August 22, 2025. (lcdlf2)

Aug. 22, 2025

Aug. 22, 2025

52

NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE as to ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. Attorney Lindsay M. Vick terminated. (Vick, Lindsay) (Entered: 08/26/2025)

Aug. 26, 2025

Aug. 26, 2025

53

ANSWER to 48 Amended Complaint by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.(De Las Alas, Dean) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

54

Joint STATUS REPORT by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (McElvain, Joel) (Entered: 08/29/2025)

Aug. 29, 2025

Aug. 29, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the parties' 54 Joint Status Report, it is ORDERED that the following schedule will govern further proceedings: the plaintiff shall file a motion for summary judgment on or before September 12, 2025; the defendants shall file an opposition to the plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and a cross-motion for summary judgment on or before October 3, 2025; the plaintiffs shall file a reply in support of their motion for summary judgment and opposition to the defendants' cross-motion for summary judgment on or before October 17, 2025; the defendants shall file a reply to the plaintiffs' opposition to their cross-motion for summary judgment on or before October 31, 2025; and the parties shall file a joint appendix on or before November 7, 2025.In addition, if the Court grants leave to file the plaintiffs' 51 motion, the defendants shall file their opposition to the supplemental memorandum on or before September 12, 2025, and the plaintiffs shall file a reply brief to the opposition to the supplemental memorandum on or before September 19, 2025.The Court further notes that the motion for summary judgment and opposition must comply with LCvR 7(h), which requires that each party submitting a motion for summary judgment attach a statement of material facts for which that party contends there is no genuine dispute, with numbered paragraphs and specific citations to those portions of the record upon which the party relies in fashioning the statement. The party opposing the motion must include a statement that enumerates all material facts that the party contends are genuinely disputed. The opposing party's statement must (1) restate the movant's statement of undisputed material fact in numbered paragraphs, and (2) immediately following each numbered paragraph state the opponent's response to the stated fact. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on August 30, 2025. (lcdlf2)

Aug. 30, 2025

Aug. 30, 2025

.Order AND ~Util - Set/Reset Deadlines

Aug. 30, 2025

Aug. 30, 2025

55

RESPONSE re 51 MOTION for Leave to File Supplemental Brief in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Class Certification filed by ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR, ANGIE SALAZAR, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (Parascandola, Christina) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

MINUTE ORDER. Upon consideration of the plaintiffs' 51 Motion for Leave to File Supplemental Memorandum and the defendants' 52 Statement of Non-Opposition, it is ORDERED that the motion is GRANTED. So Ordered by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich on September 5, 2025. (lcdlf2)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to File

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

56

SUPPLEMENTAL MEMORANDUM re 9 MOTION to Certify Class by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Index, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6)(Wolozin, Rebecca) Modified event title on 9/9/2025 (znmw). (Entered: 09/08/2025)

1 Exhibit Index

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2 Exhibit 1

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3 Exhibit 2

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4 Exhibit 3

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5 Exhibit 4

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6 Exhibit 5

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7 Exhibit 6

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Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

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57

SEALED DOCUMENT filed by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W. re 56 Memorandum, (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5, # 6 Exhibit 6)(Wolozin, Rebecca) (Entered: 09/08/2025)

Sept. 8, 2025

Sept. 8, 2025

58

MOTION for Summary Judgment by LEO B., DAVID D., YAIR G., IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LAW CENTER, XAVIER L., EDUARDO M., MATEO N., ANGELICA S., LIAM W.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment, # 2 Statement of Facts, # 3 Exhibit 1, # 4 Exhibit 2, # 5 Text of Proposed Order)(Wroe, Mishan) (Entered: 09/12/2025)

1 Memorandum in Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment

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2 Statement of Facts

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3 Exhibit 1

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4 Exhibit 2

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5 Text of Proposed Order

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Sept. 12, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Child Welfare

Special Collection(s):

Trump 1.0 & 2.0 Immigration Enforcement Order Challenges

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: May 8, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Five unaccompanied noncitizen children and the Immigrant Defenders Law Center.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

National Center for Youth Law

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Granted

Defendants

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (- United States (national) -), Federal

Office of Refugee Resettlement (- United States (national) -), Federal

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:25-cv-01405

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Constitutional rights

Family Separation

Undocumented immigrants - rights and duties