April 27, 2026·24-7462·Unpublished·By Maria Santos
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision. The court found substantial evidence supporting the agency's conclusion that the petitioners failed to establish a nexus between their claimed harm and a protected ground.
Petitioners Ma del Rosario Chavez Garcia and Heizel Mariana Rodriguez Chavez, citizens of Mexico, sought review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision affirming the denial of their applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The petitioners claimed harm related to the murder of their domestic partner by a cartel and subsequent threats against them.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed the agency’s legal conclusions de novo and factual findings for substantial evidence. The court found that the record did not compel a conclusion that the petitioners were targeted based on their relationship with their domestic partner, noting that evidence suggested they were targeted as business owners. The court also found the record devoid of evidence that the petitioners would face torture with government consent or acquiescence.
What it means going forward
The petition for review is denied, leaving the Board of Immigration Appeals decision affirming the denial of asylum and related relief in place.
