Woman detained after monitor accident released after habeas corpus victory
May 4, 2026·Location: California City, CA

Manuela Hernandez, an asylum seeker from Colombia, was detained at California City's detention center for five months after her electronic monitoring device broke during a household accident in December 2025. She reported severe medical decline in custody, including fainting spells and a bacterial infection, while ICE pursued federal charges for property destruction. After her legal team filed a habeas corpus petition arguing the break was unintentional, she was released on May 4, 2026, and has reunited with her family while continuing her asylum case.
Sources
- Detained California City woman reunites with family, thanks God after release
bakersfieldnow.com·Jun 3, 2026·archived copy
- Supporters say Manuela Hernandez has until late April to appeal Bakersfield detention case
bakersfieldnow.com·Apr 6, 2026·archived copy
- Case Victory: How a Habeas Corpus Petition Freed an Asylum Seeker From ICE Detention
jgoldlaw.com·Jun 5, 2026·archived copy
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