Detained immigrants in the Central Valley are increasingly using habeas corpus petitions to challenge detention under Trump's mandatory detention policies. - Over 3,900 habeas petitions filed in Eastern District of California since January 2025.
- Many immigrants lack legal representation and rely on fellow detainees or volunteer attorneys. - Judges are appointing lawyers and sanctioning government attorneys who fail to comply.
- The surge reflects a broader trend of immigrants fighting back against expanded enforcement. The legal maneuver offers a critical safeguard for due process, but barriers like limited resources and frequent transfers persist.