Cristian David Rodriguez Sandoval, an immigration detainee held by ICE, challenged his detention through a habeas corpus petition. Rodriguez Sandoval was transferred to ICE custody from state custody at the conclusion of a criminal sentence, according to court filings.
Judge Calabretta ruled that the government had not presented any new legal arguments or factual distinctions that would differentiate Rodriguez Sandoval's case from prior decisions where the court granted similar relief. The judge acknowledged that while Rodriguez Sandoval's transfer from state custody 'does not alter the due process analysis,' it does justify providing him 'a prompt post-deprivation hearing,' citing a previous Eastern District of California ruling.
The court had previously directed the government to show cause why it should not grant the writ of habeas corpus and identify any distinguishing factors from earlier orders. In similar cases decided in late 2025, including Garcia Mariagua v. Chestnut and Ortega v. Noem, Judge Calabretta had ruled in favor of immigration detainees seeking bond hearings.
The ruling adds to a growing body of Eastern District of California decisions requiring ICE to provide constitutionally adequate bond hearings for immigration detainees. The order requires that Rodriguez Sandoval be allowed to have counsel present during the hearing and places the burden on the government to prove he poses a flight risk or danger.