Ender Antonio Huerta Angarita filed a writ of habeas corpus challenging his detention at the Orange County Jail. The petitioner is being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the authority of various officials including ICE's Garrett Ripa and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
Judge Presnell referenced his "recent experience with similar cases where the Government has sought to relocate petitioners before the Court has an opportunity to rule on the merits," citing a February case involving another immigration detainee. The court ordered respondents to "show cause in writing" by April 10 explaining why the habeas petition should not be granted.
The order represents part of an apparent pattern of immigration habeas cases in the Middle District of Florida, with Presnell citing at least two other recent cases involving similar detention challenges. The court scheduled a hearing for April 14 and ordered officials to produce Huerta Angarita in person.
The temporary restraining order prevents any transfer while the court considers the merits of the habeas petition. Immigration attorneys have increasingly challenged prolonged detention in federal court as enforcement priorities have shifted under recent policy changes.