Ruling Allows 64-Year-Old to Return Home and Access Critical Medical Care While Her Immigration Case Continues
CALIFORNIA CITY, November 7, 2025 — Masuma Khan, who has been in the United States for nearly three decades, was released from ICE detention on Wednesday, after enduring a month in which she was repeatedly denied necessary medical care. A federal district court judge granted a preliminary injunction ordering her immediate release, preventing her re-detention without due process, and barring her immediate deportation to any country where she fears for her safety—all of which ensures that the 64-year-old can remain at home while her immigration case proceeds.
A team of legal counsel and advocates, including Public Counsel, South Asian Network, and Hoq Law APC, came together to push for the release of Khan, who is a pillar of her community. Masuma is known for supporting family, friends, and neighbors when they are ill or otherwise in need.
Ms. Khan, an Altadena resident who survived the fires earlier this year, was detained for nearly a month at the California City Detention Facility, which has developed a reputation for inhumane conditions. During her detainment, Khan was denied critical medications and basic medical care for her chronic asthma, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and other serious conditions.
Riya Khan, Masuma Khan’s daughter, shared the following statement:
I’m so happy to reunite with my mom and know that she can now breathe fresh air and get the medical care she needs to survive. We are thankful to the judge who understood the gravity of our case, applied the law, and allowed my mom to be released with dignity.
In court, the federal judge ruled there was no reason for Masuma to remain in custody without the government explaining why her detention is necessary, given that they had released her five years ago and allowed her to remain with her family while her immigration case proceeds.
Masuma Khan’s legal team released the following statement:
We are grateful that the court upheld the rule of law and ordered Masuma Khan’s release, recognizing her right to return home and access life-saving medical care. This outcome was only possible thanks to the incredible collaboration between Masuma’s family, community advocates, and our legal team—all working together to ensure justice prevailed. Masuma is a pillar of her family and her community, and we are honored to stand alongside her in this ongoing fight.
Khan and her family plan to continue pursuing her pending application for immigration relief.
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Public Counsel is a nonprofit public interest law firm dedicated to advancing civil rights and racial and economic justice, as well as to amplifying the power of our clients through comprehensive legal advocacy. Founded on and strengthened by a pro bono legal service model, our staff and volunteers seek justice through direct legal services, promote healthy and resilient communities through education and outreach, and support community-led efforts to transform unjust systems through litigation and policy advocacy in and beyond Los Angeles.
Hoq Law is a civil rights law firm founded by Laboni Hoq, an experienced civil rights litigator who is passionate about securing justice for her clients and their causes. The firm represents plaintiffs, specializing in employment rights, civil rights, and government transparency.
About South Asian Network (SAN)
South Asian Network (SAN) is a community based organization advancing the health, emotional and mental well-being, and civil rights of South Asians in Southern California.
