Mohamed Fofana, an Upstate University Hospital employee, detained by immigration officials in November, was granted a habeas corpus petition last week and returned home, union officials said Monday. “Mohamed’s release is welcome news for his family, his co-workers and our community. While his legal journey is not yet over, we are grateful that he is home,” said Ali Cottrell, local president of the Civil Service Employees Association. A federal judge ruled on Thursday that Fofana's habeas corpus petition be approved after he had been in federal detention since Nov. 11, 2025, in southern Texas. In May, Fofana was ordered deported, but Cottrell said he is now home with his family. Alex Ramirez Gonzalez (left), Mohamed Fofana (center) and Yan Vazquez Hidalgo (right) are all Upstate hospital employees who were detained by immigration officials. Now they are back to work. (Photo Courtesy of Ali Cottrell) “Mohamed returned home to Syracuse on Sunday, where he was reunited with his family, friends and the community that has stood beside him throughout this difficult journey. While Mohamed’s release is a significant and welcomed development, it is important to note that his immigration matter remains ongoing,” Cottrell said. The habeas corpus petition allows Fofana to continue his legal proceedings from home rather than while being held in federal detention. There has been an increase in the number of habeas corpus lawsuits filed since March 2025, according to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a Syracuse University-based non-profit. In March 2025, there were 105 habeas petitions filed and in March of this year, there were 9,059. Fofana, 22, came to the United States from Guinea less than two years ago “fleeing real danger” and wanted to find safety here, according to his family. “Before coming to the U.S., Mohamed completed nursing school back in Guinea and worked at a small hospital emergency room. Mohamed is a student at heart and a hard worker. He had recently started working at Upstate Hospital as a cleaner while attending school to someday become a nurse,” said his cousins, Lasan and Materjay Kenneh, in a statement in May. Cottrell said Fofana’s detention has caused “a tremendous emotional and financial burden” on him and his family. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood with Mohamed throughout this ordeal,” he said.