About the Course
Introduction
This CLE webinar will coach immigration attorneys on a rapidly evolving detention and removal landscape under the current administration's enforcement protocols. Habeas litigation can be essential to protect liberty and due process rights for noncitizens following the reactivation of mass immigration enforcement tools. These tools—including expedited removal, §212(f) proclamations, and the use of the Alien Enemies Act—mean that immigration counsel must now prepare to challenge both civil detention and unlawful removal in federal courts.
Description
The panel will examine habeas corpus in immigration practice, addressing jurisdictional considerations, procedural strategy, and emerging trends in litigation. The experts discuss the All Writs Act, evidentiary hearings, and motions to return clients who were removed without process. The CLE provides guidance on structuring habeas claims in expedited timelines, identifying proper respondents, and coordinating with emergency injunction requests.
Discussing systemic removal practices including third-country expulsions, wartime authority-based removals under the Alien Enemies Act, and near blanket suspensions of asylum claims under §212(f), the panelists will cover current litigation strategies to challenge executive actions and provide tactical advice for protecting clients. Discussion will also cover coordinating habeas, APA, and class actions.
Listen as our expert panel explores the intersection of detention, deportation, and due process at a critical time in history. Learn litigation techniques and practical tips for filing effective habeas petitions and removal-blocking federal suits.
Presented By
Ms. Dawgert joined Blessinger Legal as Partner for Federal Litigation Practice in June 2025. She brings two decades of experience in immigration law and policy, including as an Associate Deputy Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice and Senior Litigation Counsel for DOJ’s Office of Immigration Litigation. In these roles, Ms. Dawgert oversaw immigration policy, drafted new regulations, and litigated and supervised thousands of cases in twelve circuit courts of appeals and numerous district courts. This included petitions for review, nationality claims, habeas and mandamus actions in district court, and programmatic challenges to immigration policies and regulations. She has also taught courses for attorneys and law students on many issues involving asylum, removability, and criminal issues. Prior to joining DOJ, Ms. Dawgert was a Staff Attorney at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. She has a particular interest in complex statutory and constitutional issues and questions of removability and visa eligibility.
Ms. Lunn is Director of Advocacy & Litigation at Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network.
Mr. Stevens focuses on litigating immigration matters against federal government agencies. He represents clients before DOL, USCIS, ICE, CBP, DOS, ORR, and the immigration courts. Mr. Stevens also maintains a robust appellate practice, winning appeals at high rates before the BIA, AAO, and circuit courts. He previously managed high-volume practices in a range of areas, including labor certification (PERM), special immigrant juvenile status, consular processing, waivers of inadmissibility, and deportation defense.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Date + Time
- event
Thursday, December 18, 2025
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
I. Introduction
II. Habeas corpus in immigration detentions
A. Legal framework and constitutional foundation
B. Immediate custodian rule and procedural considerations
C. Evidentiary hearings, non-Rule 26 discovery, All Writs Act
D. Using habeas to return clients or block removal
III. Unlawful removals and national security powers
A. Alien Enemies Act (AEA)
B. Section 212(f) expulsions
C. Third-country removals
IV. Bringing it all together: strategies for clients in detention or at risk for removal
V. Conclusion
The panel will review these and other important issues:
- The appropriate use of habeas corpus to challenge immigration detention and removals
- Jurisdictional and procedural rules for habeas petitions
- Federal court strategies challenging expedited removal, §212(f) bans, and Alien Enemies Act removals
- Emerging litigation tactics, including coordinated use of the All Writs Act, APA claims, and injunctive relief
Related Courses
Legal Strategies to Challenge Detention and Expedited Removal Under Renewed Executive Powers
Thursday, December 18, 2025
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
Asylum to Lawful Permanent Residence: Eligibility, Evidence, Strategy
Available On-Demand
