Teen released from ICE custody following federal judge's ruling
Federal District Court Judge Cathy Seibel ordered that Joel Camas must be released from ICE custody.
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A Bronx teen detained by ICE on Oct. 23 last month has been released from custody following a ruling handed down by a federal judge.
Federal District Court Judge Cathy Seibel ordered that Joel Camas must be released from ICE custody.
The teen had special immigrant juvenile status, a status the government gives to minors who've been abused, abandoned or neglected.
Camas showed up for his mandatory immigration check-in with Comptroller Brad Lander accompanying him. At the check-in, ICE arrested the teen and tried to move forward with deportation.
The NYCLU and The Door filed an emergency petition, arguing that ICE broke the law and violated Joel's rights. The suit argued that detaining minors like Camas undermined the purpose of SIJ and violated his First Amendment rights.
Lawyers say they are happy with the ruling, but this is the beginning of a lengthy legal process. Joel is now going back to his family, friends and Bronx school community.
