by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 4 – On Robert Panton detained by ICE which says it is awaiting Jamaica travel documents to deport, a preliminary injunction hearing was held by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Katherine Polk Failla. She set another conference for April 4 at 11 am; a ruling is expected. Inner City Press live tweeted, from the thread:
Judge Failla: We're here on a preliminary injunction motion.
Assistant US Attorney: Mr. Panton is detained pending the receipt of travel documents from Jamaica...
Panton's lawyer: He's turned his life around, he's helping in the community. There's a lot the government has not considered. So we have a likelihood of success on the merits.
Judge Failla: I don't think a preliminary injunction that includes a stay against removal. But I can imagine ordering his release.
AUSA: Mapp v. Reno sets a high standard. There's nothing here that rises to it
Judge: we'll reconvene at 11 am.
At 11 am on April 4, Judge Failla denied the motion for release, from the thread:
Judge Failla: I do believe DHS has the authority to detain Mr. Panton - I do not believe he has a likelihood of success on the merits. There was some question about the delegation issue. I am accepting AUSA Sun's representation
Judge Failla: The presence of counsel would have been better, but was not required. I will not make a finding of irreparable harm, at this point, one week. I might have a different view later. I believe Mr. Panton has made stride to rehabilitation. But no relief
The case is Panton v. Joyce, et al., 1:25-cv-2451 (Failla)
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