Case: Leon Rengel v. United States

1:26-cv-01008 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: March 24, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges the Trump Administration’s March 2025 Alien Enemies Act removals to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison--specifically, the transfer of Venezuelan nationals, which was also the subject of J.G.G. v. Trump. On March 24, 2026, a Venezuelan national who had lawfully entered the U.S. and was awaiting an immigration hearing scheduled for 2028, filed this Federal Tort Claims Act lawsuit against the United States of America in the U.S. District Court for the Di…

This case challenges the Trump Administration’s March 2025 Alien Enemies Act removals to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) prison--specifically, the transfer of Venezuelan nationals, which was also the subject of J.G.G. v. Trump.

On March 24, 2026, a Venezuelan national who had lawfully entered the U.S. and was awaiting an immigration hearing scheduled for 2028, filed this Federal Tort Claims Act lawsuit against the United States of America in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The complaint alleges that on March 13, 2025, plaintiff was detained by ICE officers while heading to work in Irving, Texas. According to the allegations, the officers claimed his tattoos indicated membership in the gang Tren de Aragua, which plaintiff denied. Plaintiff further alleged that he was denied a meaningful opportunity to challenge the gang designation or obtain review by an immigration judge. The complaint alleges that plaintiff fell within the class certified in J.G.G. v. Trump, and was therefore protected by that case’s temporary restraining order prohibiting the removal of class members under the Alien Enemies Act. 2025 WL 825116. Despite that order, he was transported to CECOT, rather than Venezuela, as promised. Plaintiff spent approximately four months in CECOT, and alleged that he suffered physical and psychological abuse before being released to Venezuela in July 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange arrangement.

The lawsuit brings four counts under the Federal Tort Claims Act: negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, abuse of process, and false imprisonment. Plaintiff seeks compensatory damages of at least $1,300,000, along with a declaratory judgment, attorneys' fees and costs, and other relief the Court deems necessary.

On May 28, 2026, the United States moved to dismiss the action for improper venue, arguing that venue was unavailable in the District of Columbia because the plaintiff resided in Venezuela and the operative events underlying his claims occurred in Texas.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Benjamin Glicksman (6/10/2026)

Claire Pollard (3/27/2026)

Related Cases

J.G.G. v. Trump, District of District of Columbia (2025)

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights v. Department of State, District of District of Columbia (2025)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72600914/parties/leon-rengel-v-united-states/


Judge(s)

Boasberg, James Emanuel (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Eisen, Norman Larry (District of Columbia)

Jonas, Stephen A. (District of Columbia)

Kolb, Joshua Gabriel (District of Columbia)

Marziani, Mimi (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:26-cv-01008

Complaint

Leon Rengel v. United States of America

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

Complaint
19

1:26-cv-01008

Motion to Dismiss

Rengel v. United States

May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72600914/leon-rengel-v-united-states/

Last updated June 23, 2026, 3:24 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number BDCDC-12317453) filed by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Civil Cover Sheet, # 5 Summons)(Eisen, Norman) (Attachment 4 replaced on 3/25/2026) (znmw). (Entered: 03/24/2026)

1 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit B

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit C

View on RECAP

4 Civil Cover Sheet

View on PACER

5 Summons

View on PACER

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. Case related to Case No. 1:25-cv-00766. (Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

RECAP
3

NOTICE OF RELATED CASE by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. Case related to Case No. 1:25-cv-01774. (Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/24/2026)

March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026

4

SEALED MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE DOCUMENT UNDER SEAL filed by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Notice of Address, # 2 Text of Proposed Order)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

5

ERRATA by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL re 1 Complaint,. (Attachments: # 1 Errata Updated Complaint)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

1 Errata Updated Complaint

View on PACER

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

6

REQUEST FOR SUMMONS TO ISSUE US Atty. General filed by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Summons US Atty.)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

7

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Mimi Marziani, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12320282. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Mimi Marziani, # 2 Exhibit Texas Certificate of Good Standing)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

1 Declaration of Mimi Marziani

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Texas Certificate of Good Standing

View on PACER

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

8

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Rebecca (Beth) Stevens, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12320304. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Rebecca (Beth) Stevens, # 2 Exhibit Texas Certificate of Good Standing)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/25/2026)

1 Declaration of Rebecca (Beth) Stevens

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Texas Certificate of Good Standing

View on PACER

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

Notice of Error- New Case

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

NOTICE OF NEW CASE ERROR regarding 1 Complaint,. The following error(s) need correction: Noncompliance with LCvR 5.1(c). Please file a Notice of Errata stating the error and attach the corrected initiating pleading to include the name & full residence address of each party and file using the event Errata. Alternatively, file under seal using the event Sealed Document. Missing summonses- U.S. government. When naming a U.S. government agent or agency as a defendant, you must supply two additional summonses for the U.S. Attorney & U.S. Attorney General. Please submit summons for U.S. Attorney General using the event Request for Summons to Issue. COMPLIANCE DEADLINE is by close of business today. This case will not proceed any further until all errors are satisfied. (znmw)

March 25, 2026

March 25, 2026

9

SUMMONS (2) Issued Electronically as to UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(znmw) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

10

NOTICE of Appearance by Joshua Gabriel Kolb on behalf of NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (Kolb, Joshua) (Entered: 03/26/2026)

March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Case Assigned/Reassigned

March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

Case Assigned to Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. (znmw)

March 26, 2026

March 26, 2026

11

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Andrew Silberstein, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12326027. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 03/27/2026)

March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

MINUTE ORDER: The Court ORDERS that the 7 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Mimi Marziani is GRANTED. 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 Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on March 30, 2026. (lcjeb4)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER: The Court ORDERS that the 8 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Rebecca Stevens is GRANTED. 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 Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on March 30, 2026. (lcjeb4)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

MINUTE ORDER: The Court ORDERS that the 11 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice of Andrew Silberstein is GRANTED. 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 Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on March 30, 2026. (lcjeb4)

March 30, 2026

March 30, 2026

12

NOTICE of Appearance by Mimi Marziani on behalf of NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (Marziani, Mimi) (Entered: 03/31/2026)

March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026

14

SEALED DOCUMENT - Notice filed by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. re 1 Complaint,. (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.)(zjm) (Entered: 04/15/2026)

April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

Order on Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal

April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

MINUTE ORDER: The Court ORDERS that Plaintiff's 4 Sealed Motion for Leave to File Document Under Seal is GRANTED. So ORDERED by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on April 6, 2026. (lcjeb4)

April 6, 2026

April 6, 2026

13

NOTICE of Appearance by Stephen A. Jonas on behalf of NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (Jonas, Stephen) (Entered: 04/09/2026)

April 9, 2026

April 9, 2026

15

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 04/06/2026. (Marziani, Mimi) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

16

RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 3/30/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 5/29/2026. (Marziani, Mimi) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

17

NOTICE of Appearance by Rebecca Stevens on behalf of NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (Stevens, Rebecca) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

18

NOTICE of Appearance by Andrew J. Silberstein on behalf of NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL (Silberstein, Andrew) (Entered: 04/27/2026)

April 27, 2026

April 27, 2026

19

MOTION to Dismiss by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Terrell, Stephen) (Entered: 05/28/2026)

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

May 28, 2026

May 28, 2026

Clearinghouse
20

Unopposed MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 19 MOTION to Dismiss by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Marziani, Mimi) (Entered: 06/05/2026)

June 5, 2026

June 5, 2026

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

June 8, 2026

June 8, 2026

MINUTE ORDER: The Court ORDERS that: 1) The unopposed 20 Motion for Extension of Time is GRANTED; and 2) Plaintiff shall file its response to Defendant's 19 Motion to Dismiss by June 15, 2026. So ORDERED by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on June 8, 2026. (lcjeb4)

June 8, 2026

June 8, 2026

21

RESPONSE re 19 MOTION to Dismiss filed by NEIYERVER ADRIAN LEON RENGEL. (Eisen, Norman) (Entered: 06/15/2026)

June 15, 2026

June 15, 2026

RECAP
22

Briefing Schedule AND Discovery AND Hearing

1 Text of Proposed Order

View on PACER

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026

RECAP
23

Reply to opposition to motion

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump 1.0 & 2.0 Immigration Enforcement Order Challenges

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations Involving the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: March 24, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Venezuelan national deported to CECOT, then to Venezuela

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

United States of America

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), 28 U.S.C. § 2674

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-01008

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Damages

Declaratory judgment

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Access to lawyers or judicial system

Government services

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Immigration/Border:

Constitutional rights

Deportation - criteria

Deportation - judicial review

Deportation - procedure

Detention - conditions

Undocumented immigrants - rights and duties

Recommended Citation