Case: J.Z. v. United States Department of Homeland Security

1:26-cv-01510 | U.S. District Court for the District of District of Columbia

Filed Date: April 30, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary while we research the case.) Filed on April 30, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, this putative class action was brought by six detained noncitizens against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and their respective agency heads. The named plaintiffs each had pending immigration relief applications within USCIS's exclusive or initia…

(This summary is temporary while we research the case.)

Filed on April 30, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, this putative class action was brought by six detained noncitizens against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and their respective agency heads.

The named plaintiffs each had pending immigration relief applications within USCIS's exclusive or initial jurisdiction, including Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), T and U Visas, asylum-based petitions, and adjustment of status claims. On December 5, 2025, DHS announced it would no longer collect biometric information from detained noncitizens with pending USCIS benefit requests, ending a prior intradepartmental agreement under which ICE had collected such biometrics on USCIS's behalf. Because biometrics submission is a required step in USCIS applications, and because detained individuals cannot attend outside biometrics appointments while USCIS refuses to reschedule them on account of detention, plaintiffs alleged that the policy created a jurisdictional trap resulting in the denial or abandonment of their applications — a consequence each named plaintiff had already experienced or was facing imminently.

The complaint asserted five causes of action under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and the Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause, alleging that the Biometrics Policy was contrary to law, arbitrary and capricious, issued without required notice-and-comment rulemaking, and deprived class members of liberty and property interests without due process. Plaintiffs sought declaratory relief, a stay and vacatur of the policy, injunctive relief compelling biometrics collection, class certification, and attorneys' fees.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Scott Peyton (6/22/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73277892/parties/z-v-united-states-department-of-homeland-security/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Caldarone, Richard P. (District of Columbia)

Georgevich, Mary (District of Columbia)

Goldstein, Elena (District of Columbia)

Kneedler, Jennie Leah (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Hurley, James A. (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Caldarone, Richard P. (District of Columbia)

Georgevich, Mary (District of Columbia)

Goldstein, Elena (District of Columbia)

Kneedler, Jennie Leah (District of Columbia)

May, Nicole Marie (District of Columbia)

Mendez, Michelle Natalia (District of Columbia)

Ouellette, Sean (District of Columbia)

Romo, Gerardo (District of Columbia)

Swift, Alethea Anne (District of Columbia)

Wolfson, Paul R.Q. (District of Columbia)

Zwick, Keren Hart (District of Columbia)

Attorney for Defendant

Hurley, James A. (District of Columbia)

McDermond, Malcolm (District of Columbia)

Shinners, Katherine J. (District of Columbia)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:26-cv-01510	Class Action Complaint J.Z. et al. v. United States Department of Homeland Security et al.	April 30, 2026	April 30, 2026 Complaint
14 1:26-cv-01510	Motion For A Stay Under 5 U.s.c. § 705 And Preliminary Injunction	May 12, 2026	May 12, 2026 Monitor/Expert/Receiver Report
16 1:26-cv-01510	Memorandum Opinion and Order J.Z. et al. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security et al.	May 26, 2026	May 26, 2026 Order/Opinion 2026 WL 1470530
17 1:26-cv-01510	Defendants’ Opposition To Plaintiffs’ Motion For Stay Of Agency Action And Preliminary Injunction	May 26, 2026	May 26, 2026 Other

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73277892/z-v-united-states-department-of-homeland-security/

Last updated Oct. 21, 2026, 3:35 a.m.

Docket for: Z. v. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	April 30, 2026	COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $ 405 receipt number ADCDC-12393997) filed by Luis Felipe Estrada Trejo, Y. P., R. M., M. C., J. Z., H. A.. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Summons, # 3 Summons, # 4 Summons, # 5 Summons, # 6 Summons, # 7 Summons, # 8 Summons, # 9 Summons)(Goldstein, Elena) (Entered: 04/30/2026) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Summons View on PACER 3 Summons View on PACER 4 Summons View on PACER 5 Summons View on PACER 6 Summons View on PACER 7 Summons View on PACER 8 Summons View on PACER 9 Summons View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	April 30, 2026	SEALED MOTION to Proceed Under Pseudonym filed by H. A., M. C., R. M., Y. P., J. Z. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration J.Z., # 2 Declaration R.M., # 3 Declaration Y.P., # 4 Declaration M.C., # 5 Declaration H.A., # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Goldstein, Elena) (Entered: 04/30/2026)	RECAP
3	May 1, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Richard P. Caldarone on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Caldarone, Richard) (Entered: 05/01/2026)	RECAP
4	May 1, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Keren Hart Zwick on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Zwick, Keren) (Entered: 05/01/2026)	RECAP
5	May 1, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Alethea Anne Swift on behalf of H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 05/01/2026)	RECAP
6	May 1, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance- Pro Bono by Mary Georgevich on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Georgevich, Mary) (Entered: 05/01/2026)	RECAP
7	May 1, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Paul R.Q. Wolfson on behalf of H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. (Wolfson, Paul) (Entered: 05/01/2026)	RECAP
8	May 4, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Jennie Leah Kneedler on behalf of H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. (Kneedler, Jennie) (Entered: 05/04/2026)	RECAP
9	May 6, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice :Attorney Name- Sean Ouellette, Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ADCDC-12403979. Fee Status: Fee Paid. by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration for Pro Hac Vice Admission, # 2 Exhibit Certificate of Good Standing)(Goldstein, Elena) (Entered: 05/06/2026)	RECAP
10	May 7, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance- Pro Bono by Gerardo Romo on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Romo, Gerardo) (Entered: 05/07/2026)	RECAP
11	May 11, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance- Pro Bono by Nicole Marie May on behalf of All Plaintiffs (May, Nicole) (Entered: 05/11/2026)	RECAP
12	May 12, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Katherine J. Shinners on behalf of All Defendants (Shinners, Katherine) (Entered: 05/12/2026)	RECAP
13	May 12, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by James A. Hurley on behalf of All Defendants (Hurley, James) (Entered: 05/12/2026)	RECAP
14	May 12, 2026	MOTION to Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705, MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Exhibit A - Press Release, # 3 Exhibit B - Policy Alert, # 4 Exhibit C - Policy Manual, # 5 Exhibit D - J.Z. Declaration, # 6 Exhibit E - R.M. Declaration, # 7 Exhibit F - Estrada Trejo Declaration, # 8 Exhibit G - Y.P. Declaration, # 9 Exhibit H - H.A. Declaration, # 10 Exhibit I - M.C. Declaration, # 11 Exhibit J - Previous Policy Manual, # 12 Exhibit K - J.Z. Biometrics Notice, # 13 Text of Proposed Order)(Kneedler, Jennie) (Entered: 05/12/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support View on RECAP 2 Exhibit A - Press Release View on RECAP 3 Exhibit B - Policy Alert View on RECAP 4 Exhibit C - Policy Manual View on RECAP 5 Exhibit D - J.Z. Declaration View on RECAP 6 Exhibit E - R.M. Declaration View on RECAP 7 Exhibit F - Estrada Trejo Declaration View on RECAP 8 Exhibit G - Y.P. Declaration View on RECAP 9 Exhibit H - H.A. Declaration View on RECAP 10 Exhibit I - M.C. Declaration View on RECAP 11 Exhibit J - Previous Policy Manual View on RECAP 12 Exhibit K - J.Z. Biometrics Notice View on RECAP 13 Text of Proposed Order View on RECAP	Clearinghouse
15	May 15, 2026	Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply as to 14 MOTION to Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction by JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Shinners, Katherine) (Entered: 05/15/2026)	RECAP
16	May 26, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER: The Court ORDERS that: 1) Plaintiffs' 2 Motion to Proceed Under Pseudonyms 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) Plaintiffs' supporting exhibits shall remain under seal; and 4) Within fourteen days of this Order, Plaintiffs shall file: a) A pseudonymous version of their 2 Motion and any attachments as a Notice to the Court on the public docket; and b) A sealed declaration containing their real names and residential addresses. Signed by Chief Judge James E. Boasberg on May 26, 2026. (lcjeb4) (Entered: 05/26/2026)	Clearinghouse
17	May 26, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 14 MOTION to Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705 MOTION for Preliminary Injunction filed by JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex 1 - PA 2022-10, # 2 Exhibit Ex 2 - PA 2025-07, # 3 Exhibit Ex 3 - Policy Manual Excerpts - Asylee Relative Petitions, # 4 Exhibit Ex 4 - Policy Manual Excerpts - About the Policy Manual, # 5 Exhibit Ex 5 - Policy Manual Excerpts - Biometrics Collection Ch. 1, # 6 Exhibit Ex 6 - Brown Decl., # 7 Exhibit Ex 7 - J.Z. EOIR Case Information, # 8 Exhibit Ex 8 - Estrada Trejo EOIR Case Information, # 9 Exhibit Ex 9 - Y.P. EOIR Case Information, # 10 Exhibit Ex. 10 - H.A. EOIR Case Information)(Shinners, Katherine) (Entered: 05/26/2026) 1 Exhibit Ex 1 - PA 2022-10 View on PACER 2 Exhibit Ex 2 - PA 2025-07 View on PACER 3 Exhibit Ex 3 - Policy Manual Excerpts - Asylee Relative Petitions View on PACER 4 Exhibit Ex 4 - Policy Manual Excerpts - About the Policy Manual View on PACER 5 Exhibit Ex 5 - Policy Manual Excerpts - Biometrics Collection Ch. 1 View on PACER 6 Exhibit Ex 6 - Brown Decl. View on PACER 7 Exhibit Ex 7 - J.Z. EOIR Case Information View on PACER 8 Exhibit Ex 8 - Estrada Trejo EOIR Case Information View on PACER 9 Exhibit Ex 9 - Y.P. EOIR Case Information View on PACER 10 Exhibit Ex. 10 - H.A. EOIR Case Information View on PACER	Clearinghouse
18	May 27, 2026	SUMMONS (8) Issued Electronically as to JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, U.S. Attorney and U.S. Attorney General (Attachments: # 1 Notice and Consent)(zjm) (Entered: 05/27/2026)	RECAP
19	May 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance- Pro Bono by Michelle Natalia Mendez on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Mendez, Michelle) (Entered: 05/27/2026)	RECAP
20	May 27, 2026	MOTION to Certify Class by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum in Support, # 2 Declaration Ex A - Goldstein Declaration, # 3 Declaration Ex B - Zwick Declaration, # 4 Declaration Ex C - Mendez Declaration, # 5 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Kneedler, Jennie) (Entered: 05/27/2026) 1 Memorandum in Support View on PACER 2 Declaration Ex A - Goldstein Declaration View on PACER 3 Declaration Ex B - Zwick Declaration View on PACER 4 Declaration Ex C - Mendez Declaration View on PACER 5 Text of Proposed Order Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	May 27, 2026	Case Assigned to Judge Amir H. Ali. (zjm)
	May 27, 2026	Case Assigned/Reassigned
21	May 29, 2026	STANDING ORDER. The parties are ordered to comply with the directives set forth in the attached standing order. See document for details. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 5/29/2026. (lcaha1) (Entered: 05/29/2026)	RECAP
22	June 2, 2026	NOTICE by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. re 16 Order,,, Memorandum & Opinion,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Ex. 1 - Declaration of J.Z., # 2 Exhibit Ex. 2 - Declaration of R.M., # 3 Exhibit Ex. 3 - Declaration of Y.P., # 4 Exhibit Ex. 4 - Declaration of M.C., # 5 Exhibit Ex. 5 - Declaration of H.A.)(Georgevich, Mary) (Entered: 06/02/2026) 1 Exhibit Ex. 1 - Declaration of J.Z. View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Ex. 2 - Declaration of R.M. View on PACER 3 Exhibit Ex. 3 - Declaration of Y.P. View on PACER 4 Exhibit Ex. 4 - Declaration of M.C. View on PACER 5 Exhibit Ex. 5 - Declaration of H.A. View on PACER	RECAP
23	June 2, 2026	SEALED DOCUMENT filed by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. re 16 Order,,, Memorandum & Opinion,, (This document is SEALED and only available to authorized persons.) (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Service)(Georgevich, Mary) (Entered: 06/02/2026)	RECAP
24	June 2, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 14 Motion to Stay,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, filed by H. A., M. C., R. M., Y. P., J. Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit L (Hurst Declaration), # 2 Exhibit M (Instructions))(Ouellette, Sean) (Entered: 06/02/2026) 1 Exhibit L (Hurst Declaration) View on PACER 2 Exhibit M (Instructions) View on PACER	RECAP
25	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed on United States Attorney General. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney General 05/29/2026. (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
26	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
27	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. JOSEPH B. EDLOW served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
28	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
29	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. TODD LYONS served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
30	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. MARKWAYNE MULLIN served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
31	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed. UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES served on 5/28/2026 (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
32	June 5, 2026	RETURN OF SERVICE/AFFIDAVIT of Summons and Complaint Executed as to the United States Attorney. Date of Service Upon United States Attorney on 5/27/2026. Answer due for ALL FEDERAL DEFENDANTS by 7/26/2026. (Swift, Alethea) (Entered: 06/05/2026)	RECAP
33	June 10, 2026	Memorandum in opposition to re 20 MOTION to Certify Class filed by JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Defs.' Ex. 11 - Decl. of Bryan Darling, # 2 Exhibit Defs.' Ex. 12 - USCIS Quarterly Data)(Shinners, Katherine) (Entered: 06/10/2026) 1 Exhibit Defs.' Ex. 11 - Decl. of Bryan Darling View on PACER 2 Exhibit Defs.' Ex. 12 - USCIS Quarterly Data View on PACER	RECAP
	June 10, 2026	MINUTE ORDER. The court will hold a hearing on Plaintiffs' 14 motion for a stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and preliminary injunction on June 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom 19. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 6/10/2026. (lcaha2) Modified on 6/11/2026. (zalh)
	June 10, 2026	Set Hearings
34	June 11, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Malcolm McDermond on behalf of All Defendants (McDermond, Malcolm) (Entered: 06/11/2026)	RECAP
35	June 17, 2026	REPLY to opposition to motion re 20 Motion to Certify Class, filed by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit D (Q1 2026 USCIS data))(Ouellette, Sean) (Entered: 06/17/2026) 1 Exhibit D (Q1 2026 USCIS data) View on RECAP	RECAP
36	June 20, 2026	NOTICE of Supplemental Exhibits by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. re 14 Motion to Stay,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit N - Acuna Cruz Transcript, # 2 Exhibit O - MC Denial Letter)(Ouellette, Sean) (Entered: 06/20/2026)	RECAP
	June 22, 2026	Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Amir H. Ali: Motion Hearing held on 6/22/2026 re 14 Motion For A Stay Under 5 U.S.C. § 705 And Preliminary Injunction. The Court Heard Oral Arguments From The Parties. (Court Reporter STACY JOHNS.) (mac)
	June 22, 2026	Motion Hearing
37	June 26, 2026	NOTICE of Supplemental Exhibits by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. re 14 Motion to Stay,,, Motion for Preliminary Injunction,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit P - Shugall Declaration, # 2 Exhibit Q - Jenkins Declaration, # 3 Exhibit R - Benki Declaration, # 4 Exhibit S - Nair Declaration)(Ouellette, Sean) (Entered: 06/26/2026) 1 Exhibit P - Shugall Declaration View on PACER 2 Exhibit Q - Jenkins Declaration View on PACER 3 Exhibit R - Benki Declaration View on PACER 4 Exhibit S - Nair Declaration View on PACER	RECAP
38	July 6, 2026	NOTICE by JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT re 17 Memorandum in Opposition,,, (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Broadcast Email)(Hurley, James) (Entered: 07/06/2026)	RECAP
39	July 10, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Aysha Iqbal on behalf of All Defendants (Iqbal, Aysha) (Entered: 07/10/2026)	RECAP
40	July 13, 2026	TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS before Judge Amir H. Ali held on June 22, 2026. Page Numbers: 1-74. Date of Issuance: July 13, 2026. Court Reporter: Stacy Johns. Email address: Stacy_Johns@dcd.uscourts.gov. 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 8/3/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 8/13/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 10/11/2026.(Johns, Stacy) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
41	July 20, 2026	Consent MOTION to Stay Answer Deadline, Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to File Answer in the Alternative by JOSEPH B. EDLOW, TODD LYONS, MARKWAYNE MULLIN, UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Iqbal, Aysha) (Entered: 07/20/2026) 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
	July 21, 2026	MINUTE ORDER. Defendants' 41 consent motion to stay deadline to answer or alternatively, to extend deadline to answer by thirty days is granted. Defendants shall answer or otherwise respond to the complaint within 30 days of the court's decision on the motion for stay and preliminary injunction. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 7/21/2026. (lcaha2) Modified on 7/22/2026. (zalh)
	July 21, 2026	Order on Motion to Stay
42	July 22, 2026	NOTICE of Factual Developments by H. A., M. C., LUIS FELIPE ESTRADA TREJO, R. M., Y. P., J. Z. (Ouellette, Sean) (Entered: 07/22/2026)	RECAP
43	Sept. 15, 2026	Notice (Other)	RECAP
44	Sept. 16, 2026	Notice (Other) 1 Declaration CAR Certification View on PACER 2 Exhibit CAR Index View on PACER	RECAP
45	Oct. 7, 2026	Motion for Protective Order 1 Text of Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
46	Oct. 7, 2026	MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER. Plaintiffs' 14 motion for a stay under 5 U.S.C. § 705 and preliminary injunction is granted in part and denied in part. See document for details. Defendants shall file a status report by October 21, 2026, apprising the court of compliance with this order. Signed by Judge Amir H. Ali on 10/07/2026. (lcaha2)	RECAP
47	Oct. 15, 2026	Order on Motion for Protective Order	RECAP

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Case Details

State / Territory:

District of Columbia

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Immigration Enforcement

Key Dates

Filing Date: April 30, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

All noncitizens (i) who are or will be in DHS custody; (ii) who have or will have pending applications for immigration relief within USCIS's exclusive or initial jurisdiction; and (iii) for whom USCIS has not accepted biometrics

Plaintiff Type(s):

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Democracy Forward

National Immigration Project of the NLG

National Immigrant Justice Center

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Federal

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

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

Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201

Ex parte Young (federal or state officials)

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Due Process: Procedural Due Process

Other Dockets:

District of District of Columbia 1:26-cv-01510

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Stay of government action

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Asylum - procedure

Deportation - criteria

Deportation - procedure

Detention - procedures

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of J.Z. v. United States Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/48134/ (last updated 6/22/2026).