Perfecto Paula v. Rebecca González et al.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Puerto Rico filed an urgent habeas corpus petition in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on behalf of Perfecto Paula, a Dominican national who has been detained by federal agencies in Puerto Rico since February 14, 2026, despite having an advanced and approved immigration process and strong family ties in the archipelago.

In its filing before the federal court, the organization asked the court to assume jurisdiction over the case, issue a temporary restraining order prohibiting Paula’s transfer outside the District of Puerto Rico while the petition is being considered, and grant the habeas corpus petition to order his immediate release, or alternatively, his release on bond. Along the same lines, the ACLU also asked that protection be extended to all immigrants who are being held under these same conditions.