WASHINGTON: A US federal court, in a one of its kind verdicts, has ordered immigration authorities to facilitate the return of an Indian national who was deported to India despite a court order explicitly barring his removal. The judge ruled that the deportation was unlawful and a violation of judicial authority.
In a memorandum and order issued on January 9, the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas said Francisco D’Costa was removed from the United States on December 20, 2025, “more than three hours after the Court order prohibiting the Government from removing him” had been issued.
The court noted that it had assumed jurisdiction over D’Costa’s habeas petition earlier that morning and ordered that the government “SHALL NOT remove or deport Petitioner from the United States” without first obtaining permission from the court.