Judge Lin referenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s precedent in Zadvydas v. Davis, which sets six months as the maximum reasonable time for post-removal detention. The judge found that the government had shown no evidence of active efforts to deport Ms Majekodunmi, including no requests for travel documents, no communication with Nigerian authorities, or scheduled removal. “Without any showing from respondent that it ever has or ever will work toward petitioner’s removal, the court cannot determine that there is a significant likelihood of removal in the reasonably foreseeable future,” the judge stated.
As a result, Judge Lin ordered ICE to release Ms Majekodunmi within 24 hours and report the timing to the court within 48 hours. The ruling underscores growing scrutiny over prolonged immigration detention and the need for timely deportation processes. This case may set a precedent for future immigration detainees facing similar circumstances, particularly those with complex legal histories and family ties in the U.S.
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