LEONARDO GUTIERREZ v. JOHN KELLY SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY JEFFERSON SESSIONS III ATTORNEY GENERAL (2017)

Leonardo Gutierrez appeals the district court's dismissal for lack of jurisdiction of his petition for declaratory judgment wherein he sought a declaration that exceptional circumstances justified reopening his removal proceedings and an order directing the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to reopen the proceedings and consider his application for relief from removal on the merits. Gutierrez also moves for a stay of removal. The Government moves for summary affirmance or, in the alternative, an extension of time to file a brief.

Regardless of Gutierrez's characterization of his petition, it was an attempt to collaterally attack a final order of removal by attacking the BIA's refusal to exercise its sua sponte authority to reopen the proceedings. As such, the district court correctly determined that it lacked jurisdiction to consider the petition. See Lopez–Dubon v. Holder, 609 F.3d 642, 647 (5th Cir. 2010); Rosales v. Bureau of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, 426 F.3d 733, 735-36 (5th Cir. 2005).

The Government's motion for summary affirmance is DENIED, the alternative motion for an extension of time to file a brief is DENIED as unnecessary, and the judgment of the district court is AFFIRMED. Gutierrez's motion for a stay of removal is DENIED.

Gutierrez has made several previous attempts to collaterally attack the final order of removal. Accordingly, Gutierrez is WARNED that frivolous, repetitive, or otherwise abusive filings will invite the imposition of sanctions, including dismissal, monetary sanctions, and restrictions on his ability to file pleadings in this court and any court subject to this court's jurisdiction.

PER CURIAM:*