Judge Heather Libeu

A few numbers worth knowing if you have a hearing in front of Judge Libeu, Heather (IJ code HRL, Santa Ana, CA):

Overall track record

4 years on the bench (since 2023), 2,269 cases total, lifetime grant rate 7.0%

Last 3 years (2023–2026): 2,268 cases, grant rate 7.0% — roughly in line with the Santa Ana court average (9.1%)

Nationality breakdown (2023–2026 cumulative)

Nationality / Cases / Grant rate
Mexico                 646    3.2%
Guatemala              507    0.7%
Colombia               207    1.0%
Nicaragua              169    6.9%
El Salvador            121    5.7%
China                  109   41.9%
Honduras               101    0.0%
Peru                    82    0.0%
India                   58    4.1%
Venezuela               56    0.0%
Russia                  52   46.9%

Year-by-year

2023:   23 cases, 30.4% grant rate
2024:  410 cases, 9.8% grant rate
2025:  937 cases, 6.4% grant rate
2026:  898 cases, 5.2% grant rate

If you've appeared before Judge Libeu, I'd love to hear:

1. What's your nationality, and when was your most recent hearing?

2. How did your attorney prepare for this judge specifically?

Source: EOIR (U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review) public statistics, July 2026 release, compiled by AsylumTracker. A judge's historical pattern does not predict the outcome of any individual case; this is shared to help set realistic expectations. Real-experience accounts from the community are welcome.