Federal Courts Halt Deportations, Block Transfers of DACA Recipients in El Paso, New Mexico

Federal courts have recently issued rulings protecting two DACA recipients, Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago and Paulo Cesar Gamez Lira, from deportation or transfer while their legal cases are reviewed. Santiago, a community activist detained since early August despite having a valid DACA status, had her removal proceedings terminated by an immigration judge, but remains in ICE custody pending ICE's discretion and a possible government appeal. Similarly, Gamez Lira was granted a temporary restraining order preventing his transfer out of New Mexico, ensuring he can challenge his detention locally. Both cases underscore ongoing legal battles over ICE detentions and the treatment of Dreamers under current immigration enforcement policies. Supporters of Santiago have organized protests demanding her immediate release, highlighting concerns over constitutional due process violations. These developments occur amid heightened scrutiny of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which continues to pursue aggressive deportation policies despite court interventions.