1CAMDEN, NJ – A federal judge in New Jersey has ordered the release of an Indian national who had been held in U.S. immigration custody for months despite no realistic prospect of removal, ruling that his prolonged detention violated federal law.

In a December 1 opinion, U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams granted a habeas corpus petition filed by Harnish Patel , directing the government to release him under supervision. Patel, a native and citizen of India, has been subject to a final order of removal since February 28, 2015 .

After spending ten months in immigration detention that year, Patel was released under an order of supervision when the Indian Consulate refused to issue travel documents for his deportation. He remained free for nearly a decade until June 20, 2025 , wh

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