SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A federal judge has ordered the Biden administration to return Maria de Jesus Estrada Juarez, a California resident protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, to the United States after she was unexpectedly deported to Mexico last month. The ruling, issued Monday by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins in Sacramento, mandates that Estrada Juarez be reinstated to DACA status “as if her Feb. 19, 2026 removal never occurred.” This case highlights the ongoing legal and emotional complexities surrounding the DACA program and the vulnerability of its recipients, often called “Dreamers,” to shifts in immigration policy. The core of the dispute centers on whether Estrada Juarez’s deportation was lawful, given her protected status under DACA.
The lawsuit, filed March 10 by attorney Stacy Tolchin, argued that Estrada Juarez was deported improperly, within a day of attending a scheduled immigration appointment in Sacramento. Tolchin maintains that the deportation was a direct violation of the protections afforded to Estrada Juarez under DACA and her constitutional right to due process. The government countered that the court lacked jurisdiction, arguing the petition was filed after the deportation and that the removal was a discretionary decision within their authority. Judge Coggins, however, found these arguments “unavailing,” stating in her ruling that Estrada Juarez’s removal was a “flagrant violation” of both DACA regulations and the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.
Disputed Removal Order and DACA Protections
At the heart of the legal battle is a 1998 expedited removal order issued when Estrada Juarez was 15 years old. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed it had reinstated this order prior to her deportation. However, Tolchin presented evidence suggesting the original order was never properly finalized, lacking the necessary supervisory approval. As reported by the Los Angeles Times, Tolchin asserts that Estrada Juarez never appeared before an immigration judge in 1998, further undermining the validity of the reinstated removal order. DHS had previously told the Times that an immigration judge had ordered her deportation in 1998, a claim Tolchin disputes.
Estrada Juarez, who has been a DACA recipient since 2013, had been actively pursuing legal permanent residency through her 22-year-old U.S. Citizen daughter, Damaris Bello. She worked as a regional manager for Motel 6, a position that provided stability for her family. Her deportation, occurring after a green card interview, quickly drew widespread attention and condemnation from lawmakers, including Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.). Senators publicly demanded her return, emphasizing the importance of protecting Dreamers and upholding due process.
DHS Response and the Future of DACA
In a statement released Tuesday night, DHS expressed disagreement with Judge Coggins’ ruling, characterizing it as a decision from a “Biden-appointed activist judge.” The department reiterated its position that DACA “does not confer any form of legal status in this country.” This statement underscores the ongoing political and legal challenges facing the DACA program, which has been subject to numerous legal challenges since its creation by the Obama administration in 2012.
DACA was established to provide temporary protection from deportation and work permits to individuals who were brought to the U.S. As children. As of June 2025, over 515,000 individuals are currently benefiting from the program, with California hosting the largest number of DACA recipients – approximately 144,000 – according to federal data. The program has faced legal battles, including attempts by the Trump administration to dismantle it, and its future remains uncertain. The Supreme Court has previously ruled on DACA, but the program continues to be contested in the courts.
What This Ruling Means for DACA Recipients
Estrada Juarez, in a statement, expressed her “overwhelmed relief and hope” following the court’s decision. The judge’s order requires the government to facilitate her return to the U.S. Within seven days and restore her DACA protections. This ruling sets a significant precedent, potentially strengthening legal protections for other DACA recipients facing deportation. It reinforces the idea that the government must adhere to due process and respect the protections afforded by the DACA program.
However, the broader legal landscape surrounding DACA remains complex. While this ruling offers a victory for Estrada Juarez and advocates for Dreamers, it does not resolve the fundamental questions about the program’s long-term viability. The Biden administration has repeatedly stated its support for a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients, but legislative efforts to achieve this goal have stalled in Congress.
The Department of Homeland Security has not yet indicated whether it will appeal Judge Coggins’ decision. The next step in this case will be the government’s compliance with the court order and the logistical arrangements for Estrada Juarez’s return to the United States. Further updates on this case and the future of DACA will likely emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of immigration debates and the precarious situation faced by many Dreamers who have built their lives in the United States. It also underscores the importance of legal representation and advocacy in navigating the complexities of the immigration system.
If you or someone you know is affected by immigration issues, resources are available. You can uncover information and assistance from organizations like the National Immigration Law Center (https://www.nilc.org/) and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (https://www.aila.org/).
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