A federal judge in Florida ordered the immediate release of an immigration detainee after government lawyers agreed to a bond hearing, watched silently as their own immigration court ignored that agreement, then asked the federal court to reverse its decision—conduct the judge condemned as a masterclass in litigation cynicism.

Government Reverses Position After Court Agreement

Dmitrii Iastrebov, held at the Baker County Detention Facility, was supposed to receive a bond hearing last month after the U.S. District Court in Fort Myers ordered one. The government had explicitly agreed Iastrebov qualified for the hearing. Five days later, an immigration judge refused to hold the hearing, claiming Iastrebov was ineligible for bond. Rather than defend the federal court’s mandate, government lawyers accepted the refusal and waived their right to administrative appeal.

When Iastrebov filed a renewed petition with the federal court, the government told the judge its previous agreement was made in error. Lawyers then requested the court reverse its earlier decision and rule that Iastrebov was actually subject to mandatory detention without bond eligibility.

Judge Rejects Reversal With Sharp Rebuke

The federal court strongly rejected the government’s request in a June 11 order, stating the original position was correct. The judge wrote that a federal court is not a testing lab where the Executive branch can pilot a concession to close a case, stand silently while its administrative process flouts the resulting mandate, and then return demanding a clean slate. The order included the pointed phrase: Give me a break.

The court noted it had already explained in painstaking detail why Iastrebov was legally entitled to a bond hearing. Because the government offered zero assurance it would comply with the process it previously championed, the judge decided against ordering a second attempt at a bond hearing.

Immediate Release Ordered From Custody

Pointing to the government’s complete inability to follow judicial directions, the judge ordered Iastrebov released from custody within 48 hours. Officials were directed to coordinate his pickup with his attorney. The decision highlights ongoing tensions between federal courts and immigration enforcement agencies over detention procedures and judicial authority. The case raises questions about government accountability when agencies fail to honor court agreements or comply with federal court mandates in immigration proceedings.