Judge blocks Trump admin from deporting Congo migrant whose lived in US for 36 years

A recent ruling by a federal judge in Maine has put a temporary halt on the deportation of Eyidi Ambila, a 43-year-old migrant man who arrived in the U.S. at the age of 7. Ambila, who was detained by ICE in September under the Biden administration, is currently in the midst of ongoing immigration appeals.

Judge Nancy Torresen, the first female judge to serve in the District of Maine and an appointee of President Barack Obama, granted a motion to delay a scheduled habeas hearing, which questions the legality of Ambila’s detention rather than the deportation itself. Torresen expressed concerns about the unanswered questions surrounding Ambila’s case, including the potential outcome of his immigration proceedings and the possibility of his deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The ACLU of Maine has taken up Ambila’s case, arguing that he has no current ties to the Congo and that deporting him could expose him to risks of detainment, torture, or even death. Anahita Sotoohi, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Maine, emphasized the importance of Ambila receiving due process and the opportunity to present his argument for protection under the Convention Against Torture.

In response to the government’s claim that Ambila’s deportation was imminent, Torresen stated that there was insufficient evidence to support this assertion. The ACLU of Maine filed a habeas corpus petition on Ambila’s behalf, challenging his indefinite detention by ICE and advocating for his release.

Ambila has filed emergency motions with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to reopen his case and prevent his removal from the country. Torresen’s ruling effectively puts a pause on the federal court proceedings until a decision is made by the BIA on these motions.

This development highlights the complex legal landscape facing migrants like Ambila and the importance of upholding due process and fair treatment in immigration cases. As the situation unfolds, Ambila’s future remains uncertain, but for now, he is granted a reprieve from immediate deportation.

Michael Dorgan, the writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, has been closely following Ambila’s case. For further updates on this story and other immigration-related news, you can reach out to Michael at michael.dorgan@fox.com or follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.