Outcome: On April 25, 2025, Cesar and Norelia were released from immigration detention after their habeas petition was granted and reunited with their children days later. The judge’s order stated that the government did not provide the evidence required to designate them “alien enemies,” the first of such decision after the Supreme Court’s decision on the use of the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). The judge also issued a district-wide order that requires the government to give anyone being detained under the AEA in the Western District of Texas a 21-day notice of their rights in a language that they can understand. This is an incredible victory for Cesar and Norelia and for everyone else being detained under AEA in that district.
NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.
On February 27, 2025, a Judge in Texas signed a criminal complaint against the parents of a Venezuelan family of 5, charging them with “Illegal Entry” from when they entered the US in 2022 to seek asylum. The parents were detained twice despite having active and valid Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and pending asylum applications. The parents (Cesar and Norelia) were released from their last arrest on March 28. They are back home, but still face criminal charges in Texas, even though criminalizing asylum seekers for their manner of entry violates international law. Call on the Trump administration to drop the charges.
- Email your message now!
- Send a letter to Margaret Leachman, Acting U.S. Attorney, Western District of Texas
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Dear Ms. Leachman,
I urge you to drop the charges under the provision 1325 for Illegal Entry against Cesar and Norelia (A#s 246149580 & 246149581) so they can continue to be with their three young children during the adjudication of their asylum claim in the United States after fleeing Venezuela.
On March 28, a federal judge ordered their immediate release. They are now reunited with their children but are still facing criminal charges in Texas.
The criminal charges against Cesar and Norelia, over 2 years after they entered the United States to start their asylum process, are a blatant and outrageous subversion of the law being used to target people seeking safety and separate families that have already built lives in the United States.
I urge you to drop the charges against Cesar and Norelia, and to end the practice of criminalizing migration.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Other Urgent Actions for this Case
- First UA Issued: [USA 28.25]
Additional Resources and Ways to Act
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Extend your impact with these opportunities to fight for the human rights of more individuals at risk around the world.
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UA : 15.25 EcuadorUrgent Action
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