Judge rejects Ecuadorian migrant’s bid for release from New Jersey detention

TRENTON, N.J. – A federal judge has denied a habeas corpus petition filed by an Ecuadorian man challenging his continued immigration detention in New Jersey, ruling that his confinement is lawful under federal immigration statutes.

U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi issued the decision in Arcos Tasigchana v. Soto, rejecting the petition of Henry Onofre Arcos Tasigchana, who has been in U.S. custody since December 2025 following the termination of his parole status. The petitioner, who crossed into the United States without inspection on May 19, 2024, sought release on the grounds that he was being unlawfully detained without a bond hearing.

According to court records, Arcos Tasigchana was initially placed in expedited removal proceedings under 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1) after being deemed inadmissible. Following a credible fear interview, officials referred his case for full removal proceedings, and he was released on parole in July 2024. His parole, however, was revoked in December 2025, leading to his re-detention under the same statutory authority.

Judge Quraishi found that the government’s actions were consistent with federal law, noting that individuals apprehended shortly after crossing the border are considered “applicants for admission” and subject to mandatory detention under § 1225(b)(1). The court rejected the petitioner’s argument that his detention should instead fall under § 1226(a), which would allow for a bond hearing, citing established precedent that such detainees may remain in custody for the duration of their removal proceedings.

The ruling leaves Arcos Tasigchana in immigration detention pending the outcome of his ongoing removal case.

Continuing coverage, New Jersey Has Third-Lowest Firearm Death Rate in U.S. CDC Data Shows.

  • Ecuadorian national detained after parole revocation in December 2025
  • Court rules detention lawful under 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1)
  • Habeas petition denied; no bond hearing required under statute

Here’s what’s happening, Walmart Facing Hiring Discrimination Class Action Lawsuit in New Jersey.