In re

Summary

This habeas corpus case involved Lucio Santos challenging his detention by immigration authorities during pending deportation proceedings. Immigration officials alleged Santos was a Chinese citizen who entered illegally, while Santos claimed Filipino citizenship. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower court's order releasing Santos on bond, applying the precedent in Qua Chee Gan v. Deportation Board. The Court ruled that immigration officials only have constitutional authority to arrest aliens after a final deportation order is issued, not during pending deportation proceedings. The decision reinforced constitutional protections regarding arrest warrants and probable cause, establishing clear limits on executive power to detain individuals without proper judicial authorization during administrative proceedings. The ruling emphasized that constitutional warrant requirements apply equally to administrative and criminal proceedings.