Raj Patel

Correspondent

Raj Patel

Breaking news correspondent, covers late-night developments and emergency rulings.

Immigration & Government

Decisions covered by Raj Patel

874 decisions
Apr 16 2026
9th Cir. 22-1584 Unpublished

Jessica Yunuen Vargas Sanchez v. Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals decision, ruling that the petitioner failed to prove eligibility for asylum or other relief. The court held that evidence of generalized cartel violence and corruption does not establish the required nexus to a protected ground or a particularized risk of torture.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 16 2026
9th Cir. 23-364 Unpublished

JACINTO ACEVEDO-ROJAS v. TODD BLANCHE, Acting Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit dismissed challenges to factual credibility findings regarding cancellation of removal, ruling that federal courts lack jurisdiction to review such determinations. The court also denied a motion to suppress evidence, finding the petitioner failed to establish a prima facie case of unreliability or egregious constitutional violation regarding the arrest record.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 16 2026
11th Cir. 1:21-cv-24224-PCH Unpublished

BRYCE DUNHAM-ZEMBERI v. LINCOLN LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY OF BOSTON

The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the termination of long-term disability benefits, holding that the plan administrator did not abuse its discretion. The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to provide the specific objective medical evidence required by the plan to prove he remained unable to perform his job's material duties.

Civil ERISA / Employee Benefits Social Security Summary Judgment
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Apr 15 2026
5th Cir. 25-60390 Per Curiam

Galindo-Borjas v. Blanche

The Fifth Circuit denied a Honduran national's petition for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals' dismissal of his motion to reopen removal proceedings. The court held that the petitioner failed to demonstrate equitable tolling for an eight-month filing delay and that due process arguments do not alter the abuse of discretion standard applied to motions to reopen.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 15 2026
Fed. Cir. 25-2155 Panel Decision

JUSTIN PAUL DREILING v. UNITED STATES 2025-2155

The Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a service member's challenge to a base vaccination policy for youth sports due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The court held that the Tucker Act does not grant the Court of Federal Claims authority to hear claims for injunctive relief without a money-mandating source of law.

Civil Other Civil
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Apr 15 2026
Fed. Cir. 26-1040 Panel Decision

ANTHONY M. AUGUSTA v. UNITED STATES

The Federal Circuit affirmed the dismissal of Anthony M. Augusta's complaint, holding that standalone due process claims do not provide a money-mandating source of law under the Tucker Act. The court further ruled that res judicata precluded his claims because they echoed issues previously litigated in his prior suits.

Civil Res Judicata Social Security
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Apr 15 2026
9th Cir. 20-71060 Unpublished

NOEL DE JESUS MARTINEZ-LEYVA v. TODD BLANCHE, Acting Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of an immigration judge's denial of asylum and related relief, upholding an adverse credibility finding based on material omissions and inconsistencies in the petitioner's testimony. The court concluded that the record contained substantial evidence to support the agency's determination that the petitioner was not a credible witness.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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Apr 15 2026
9th Cir. 16-72280 Unpublished

EDGAR AMADOR BATRES- ALVARADO; VICTORIA VILLEGAS- ACUNA; GALA VICTORIA BATRES- VILLEGAS v. TODD BLANCHE, Acting Attorney General

The Ninth Circuit denied a petition for review of a Board of Immigration Appeals order denying asylum and withholding of removal to three Mexican nationals. The court held that substantial evidence supported the agency's finding that the petitioners could reasonably relocate within Mexico to avoid persecution.

Civil Immigration (Civil)
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