FILIMON ACOSTA v. BARR (2020)

MEMORANDUM **

Biron Filimon-Acosta, a native and citizen of Honduras, petitions pro se for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals’ (“BIA”) order dismissing his appeal from an immigration judge’s decision denying his application for asylum, withholding of removal, and relief under the Convention Against Torture (“CAT”). Our jurisdiction is governed by 8 U.S.C. § 1252. We review for substantial evidence the agency’s factual findings. Garcia-Milian v. Holder, 755 F.3d 1026, 1031 (9th Cir. 2014). We deny in part and dismiss in part the petition for review.

In his opening brief, Filimon-Acosta fails to challenge the agency’s determination that his asylum application is time barred. See Lopez-Vasquez v. Holder, 706 F.3d 1072, 1079-80 (9th Cir. 2013) (issues not specifically raised and argued in a party’s opening brief are waived). Filimon-Acosta also fails to challenge the agency’s denial of CAT relief. Id. Thus, we deny the petition for review as to his asylum and CAT claims.

Substantial evidence supports the agency’s determination that Filimon-Acosta failed to establish that the harm he suffered or fears in Honduras was or would be on account of a protected ground. See Zetino v. Holder, 622 F.3d 1007, 1016 (9th Cir. 2010) (an applicant’s “desire to be free from harassment by criminals motivated by theft or random violence by gang members bears no nexus to a protected ground”). Thus, Filimon-Acosta’s withholding of removal claim fails.

We lack jurisdiction to consider Filimon-Acosta’s contentions regarding cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and being perceived as a wealthy returnee because he failed to raise them to the BIA. See Barron v. Ashcroft, 358 F.3d 674, 677-78 (9th Cir. 2004) (court lacks jurisdiction to review claims not presented to the agency).

We deny Filimon-Acosta’s requests to remand for a new hearing and for voluntary departure.

PETITION FOR REVIEW DENIED in part; DISMISSED in part.