They Did Everything Right, And Were Still Detained by ICE. aiLegal Wins Federal Habeas Victory for a Married Couple!
- aiLegal Law Support
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
January 28, 2026
Some victories are legal. Others are human. This one is both.
Today, we are proud to share a federal habeas corpus victory that restored hope and due process for a married couple who did everything this system asked of them, and were still taken into ICE custody.
After aiLegal filed a habeas petition in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the Court rules that our clients are not subject to mandatory detention, and ordered Immigration Court to provide them with a new bond hearing within seven (7) days under INA § 236(a)(2).
For our clients, this means something profoundly simple: a real chance to go home.
Their Story
Our clients are a couple who came to the United States several years ago seeking safety and stability.
They were inspected and paroled by U.S. Border Patrol. They filed their immigration applications. They received their employment authorization cards.
Since then, they have lived quietly in North Carolina, building a life:
The husband works for a local company.
They filed their tax returns.
They volunteer in their community.
For the past three years, they faithfully appeared for every ICE check-in, on time, without fail.
They did not hide. They did not run. They complied.
Then, one month ago, during what was supposed to be a routine ICE reporting appointment, they were suddenly detained.
No warning. No explanation. Just separation from their home, their work, and their community.
When the Immigration Court Said "No"
We immediately filed a motion for bond. The Immigration Judge denied it, ruling that the couple was subject to mandatory detention, relying on a BIA decision, Matter of Hurtado.
In practical terms, this meant the Judge believe he had no authority at all to consider the release, regardless of their clean record, community ties, or compliance history.
They were told they had no chance. This is when we turned to federal court.
Habeas Corpus: A Constitution Lifeline
Habeas corpus exists for moments exactly like this. It is the constitutional safeguard that prevents the government from holding people unlawfully, especially in civil detention, where liberty is at stake but no crime had been committed.
aiLegal's attorneys filed a federal habeas petition with the Middle District Court of Georgia challenging ICE's position and the Immigration Court's application of mandatory detention.
This District Court agreed with us.
This Court determined that this couple is not subject to mandatory detention and ordered Immigration Court to conduct a new bond hearing within seven days, restoring their rights to an individualized custody determination.
This ruling does more than correct a legal error.
It gives two human beings their voice back. See the Judge Order here:
Why This Matters - Beyond One Case
This victory carries significance far beyond a simple family.
Across the country, immigrants who comply with law, who work, pay taxes, raise families, and show up for every ICE appointments, are increasingly being detained without meaningful review.
Mandatory detention is being expanded beyond its lawful limits.
Immigration Judges are being told their hands are tied to grant bonds. Families are left in limbo.
Federal courts remain one of the last lines of defense. This case reaffirms a critical principle:
Compliance matters. Due process matters. Liberty matters.
Our Integrated Legal Strategy
This outcome reflects the strength of aiLegal's interdisciplinary approach:
Our attorneys analyze statutory custody authority.
We framed the habeas challenge and pursued relief in District Courts.
By combing our immigration expertise with federal litigation, we were able to act quickly and decisively.
A Message to Detained Immigrants and Their Families
If you or your loved ones is in ICE custody: detention is not the end of the road. Even when Immigration Court denies bond, federal habeas corpus may still provide relief.
Courts can intervene. Judges can correct errors. Freedom is not lost simply because ICE says no.
Our Commitment
At aiLegal, we fight for more than case approvals.
We fight for dignity. We fight for families. We fight for due process.
As an AI-native immigration practice, we combine deep legal expertise with advanced technology to deliver fast, strategic, and compassionate advocacy, from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Labor, Department of State, ICE, Immigration Court, to Federal Courts.
This victory belongs to our clients. And it reinforced why we do this work every day.
Because doing everything right should still mean something.
