Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-01006/USCOURTS-caed-1_07-cv-01006-3/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 530
Nature of Suit: Prisoner Petitions - Habeas Corpus
Cause of Action: 28:2241 Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus

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U.S. District Court

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

GEORGE KAYODE GANSAH, )

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Petitioner, )

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v. )

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ALBERTO GONZALES, et al., )

)

Respondents. )

 )

1:07-CV-01006 AWI GSA HC

ORDER WITHDRAWING FINDINGS AND

RECOMMENDATION

[Doc. #17]

ORDER DIRECTING RESPONDENT TO

EXPAND THE RECORD

Petitioner is being detained by the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs

Enforcement (“ICE”) pending removal from the United States. Petitioner is proceeding pro se with a

petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2241.

On November 29, 2007, the undersigned issued a Findings and Recommendation in this

matter which recommended the petition be denied. Petitioner timely filed objections on

December 14, 2007. 

In determining that the petition should be denied, this Court found that Petitioner had acted to

prevent his removal by failing to cooperate with the government in its attempts to secure a travel

document from the Nigerian Embassy. See 8 U.S.C. § 1231(a)(1)(C). As proof of Petitioner’s acts

Respondent submitted a copy of the “Decision to Continue Detention” issued by ICE on July 5,

Case 1:07-cv-01006-AWI-GSA Document 21 Filed 12/27/07 Page 1 of 2
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2007. See Respondent’s Answer, Exhibit A. In that decision, ICE noted that on two prior occasions

Petitioner had stated to the Embassy of Nigeria that he was a citizen of Ghana so as to prevent the

issuance of a travel document.

In his objections, Petitioner flatly opposes Respondent’s allegation. Petitioner states he has

never failed to comply with the government in its attempts to secure a travel document. He claims he

has been interviewed on numerous occasions by the Nigerian Embassy and has cooperated every

time; however, the embassy has continuously declined to issue a travel document. 

Petitioner validly complains that there is no evidence to support the government’s contention

that he has failed to cooperate in its attempts. Respondent has submitted its “Decision to Continue

Detention” of July 5, 2007, which does provide a legitimate reason for its determination, but what is

lacking is proof that Petitioner acted in the manner Respondent claims he did. Without more, there is

insufficient evidence to rebut Petitioner’s showing that “there is no significant likelihood of removal

in the reasonably foreseeable future.” Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678, 701 (2001). 

Therefore, pursuant to Rule 7of the Rules Governing Habeas Corpus Cases, Respondent is

directed to expand the record by submitting any additional materials such as documents, affidavits,

or exhibits which would support his contention that Petitioner has acted to prevent his removal. After

submission of this evidence, if any, Petitioner will have the opportunity to admit or deny their

correctness.

Accordingly, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1) The Findings and Recommendation issued November 29, 2007, is WITHDRAWN; 

2) Respondent is DIRECTED to expand the record within thirty (30) days of the date of

service of this order;

3) Petitioner may REPLY to Respondent’s response to this order within ten (10) days of the

date Respondent serves his response. 

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

Dated: December 21, 2007 /s/ Gary S. Austin 

60kij8 UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:07-cv-01006-AWI-GSA Document 21 Filed 12/27/07 Page 2 of 2