Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 1 FILED United States Court of Appeals UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS Tenth Circuit
FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT June 20, 2024 _________________________________ Christopher M. Wolpert Clerk of Court MARIA AVILES-GONZALEZ,
Petitioner, No. 23-9547 v. (Petition for Review)
MERRICK B. GARLAND, United States Attorney General,
Respondent. _________________________________
ORDER AND JUDGMENT* _________________________________
Before PHILLIPS, KELLY, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges. _________________________________
Petitioner Maria Aviles-Gonzalez seeks review of the Board of Immigration
Appeals’s (BIA) decision affirming an Immigration Judge’s (IJ) denial of her
applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and convention against torture
protection. She argues that the BIA and the IJ erred in denying her claims on the grounds
that she failed to show the Mexican government was unable or unwilling to protect her.
We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(1), and we deny the petition for review.
* This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. It may be cited, however, for its persuasive value consistent with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1 and 10th Cir. R. 32.1. Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 2
Background
A. Factual background
Ms. Aviles, an alien and Mexican citizen, fled her home country due to familial
violence. She testified that her brother, Fernando, sold drugs and was targeted by a
criminal organization. R. 138–40. This group barged into Ms. Aviles’s house, held the
family at gunpoint, and repeatedly demanded Fernando’s whereabouts — but he was
absent. Before leaving, the group threatened to kill Ms. Aviles and her family if they
failed to turn over Fernando. Fearing retaliation by the group, none of the family
members contacted police. Id. at 141.
The family began receiving threatening communications from the group
demanding information about Fernando. The group watched and occasionally followed
family members. One night, Fernando visited his family and informed them of his plans
to leave town to evade the criminals. The next morning, police found Fernando and his
girlfriend murdered.
When the death threats continued, Ms. Aviles fled to the United States. She
attempted to enter four times. Id. at 146. Officials from the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) detained Ms. Aviles for trying to cross the border with false documents.
Id. When asked by DHS whether she feared returning to Mexico, Ms. Aviles repeatedly
said “no” out of fear that DHS would inform corrupt Mexican officials. Id. at 146–47;
Pet. Br. at 6. At the time, Ms. Aviles was unaware that the United States allowed aliens
to apply for asylum protection. R. 147. Due to her use of false documentation on her
fourth attempt to enter, Ms. Aviles pled guilty to one count of fraud under 18 U.S.C.
2 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 3
§ 1546 and served 60 days in prison. Id. at 503–06. Upon learning of the availability of
asylum, Ms. Aviles told DHS officials that she did, in fact, fear returning to Mexico. Id.
at 147–48. Since entering the United States, several of Ms. Aviles’s family members
have been threatened, kidnapped, and even murdered because of their connection to
Fernando. Id. at 148–52.
In 2014, DHS commenced removal proceedings against Ms. Aviles. In response,
she timely filed an application for asylum.
B. Procedural history
As a threshold matter, the IJ made an adverse credibility determination against Ms.
Aviles given her use of false documents when attempting to enter the United States and
other misleading statements she made while being processed. Id. at 75–77. Despite the
adverse credibility finding, the IJ noted “that the factual circumstances regarding her
departure from Mexico and the circumstances surrounding the harm that she and her
family experienced were corroborated.” Id. at 76. The IJ denied asylum, in part, because
Ms. Aviles failed to establish that the Mexican government would be unable or unwilling
to protect her, so she could not demonstrate past persecution. Id. at 80–81. The IJ
emphasized that she failed to contact police on several occasions given continuing threats
and intimidation and that the Mexican government continues to fight against drug cartels
with varying efficacy. Id. Ms. Aviles’s inaction may have been motivated by concerns
of futility and fear of retaliation, but it also suggested that the criminals were afraid of
police action that might control the group’s activities. Id. at 81. The IJ also concluded
3 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 4
that Ms. Aviles could not demonstrate a well-founded fear of future persecution
necessary to qualify for asylum. Id. at 82.
Assuming Ms. Aviles’s credibility, the BIA affirmed the IJ’s decision, concluding
that Ms. Aviles could not demonstrate past persecution. The BIA noted the IJ’s finding
that Ms. Aviles chose not to report her ordeal to the police and emphasized the
inconsistencies between Ms. Aviles’s statements that “she believed corrupt officers
would pass along information to the gang members threatening her and her family,” but
later “that gang members would retaliate against her for reporting them to the police.” Id.
at 4. The BIA concluded it was permissible for the IJ to find that the criminals feared
authorities learning of their criminal activities, such that the police could protect and
prevent further harm to Ms. Aviles. Id. Ultimately, the BIA concluded that “on this
record, the balance of the evidence is insufficient to satisfy the respondent’s burden of
proof” that the Mexican government was unwilling or unable to protect her. Id.
Discussion In this case, where a single BIA member issued a brief order affirming the IJ’s
decision, our scope of review is limited to the grounds relied upon by the BIA. Htun v.
Lynch, 818 F.3d 1111, 1118 (10th Cir. 2016). The BIA concluded that Ms. Aviles had
not demonstrated that the Mexican government was unwilling or unable to protect her.
This was the dispositive issue, and the BIA did not consider the IJ’s alternative bases for
4 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 5
denying asylum. R. 4. Thus, we consider only the BIA’s conclusion that Ms. Aviles
cannot demonstrate past persecution.1
Generally, “we will not affirm on grounds raised in the IJ decision unless they are
relied upon by the BIA in its affirmance.” Uanreroro v. Gonzales, 443 F.3d 1197, 1204
(10th Cir. 2006). But we may consult the IJ’s more complete explanation of these issues
to better understand the BIA’s discussion. See id. Because the BIA assumed Ms.
Aviles’s credibility, we do not consider the IJ’s adverse credibility determination. See
Maphilindo v. Holder, 323 F. App’x 659, 661 (10th Cir.
Free access — add to your briefcase to read the full text and ask questions with AI
Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 1 FILED United States Court of Appeals UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS Tenth Circuit
FOR THE TENTH CIRCUIT June 20, 2024 _________________________________ Christopher M. Wolpert Clerk of Court MARIA AVILES-GONZALEZ,
Petitioner, No. 23-9547 v. (Petition for Review)
MERRICK B. GARLAND, United States Attorney General,
Respondent. _________________________________
ORDER AND JUDGMENT* _________________________________
Before PHILLIPS, KELLY, and MORITZ, Circuit Judges. _________________________________
Petitioner Maria Aviles-Gonzalez seeks review of the Board of Immigration
Appeals’s (BIA) decision affirming an Immigration Judge’s (IJ) denial of her
applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and convention against torture
protection. She argues that the BIA and the IJ erred in denying her claims on the grounds
that she failed to show the Mexican government was unable or unwilling to protect her.
We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252(a)(1), and we deny the petition for review.
* This order and judgment is not binding precedent, except under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, and collateral estoppel. It may be cited, however, for its persuasive value consistent with Fed. R. App. P. 32.1 and 10th Cir. R. 32.1. Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 2
Background
A. Factual background
Ms. Aviles, an alien and Mexican citizen, fled her home country due to familial
violence. She testified that her brother, Fernando, sold drugs and was targeted by a
criminal organization. R. 138–40. This group barged into Ms. Aviles’s house, held the
family at gunpoint, and repeatedly demanded Fernando’s whereabouts — but he was
absent. Before leaving, the group threatened to kill Ms. Aviles and her family if they
failed to turn over Fernando. Fearing retaliation by the group, none of the family
members contacted police. Id. at 141.
The family began receiving threatening communications from the group
demanding information about Fernando. The group watched and occasionally followed
family members. One night, Fernando visited his family and informed them of his plans
to leave town to evade the criminals. The next morning, police found Fernando and his
girlfriend murdered.
When the death threats continued, Ms. Aviles fled to the United States. She
attempted to enter four times. Id. at 146. Officials from the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) detained Ms. Aviles for trying to cross the border with false documents.
Id. When asked by DHS whether she feared returning to Mexico, Ms. Aviles repeatedly
said “no” out of fear that DHS would inform corrupt Mexican officials. Id. at 146–47;
Pet. Br. at 6. At the time, Ms. Aviles was unaware that the United States allowed aliens
to apply for asylum protection. R. 147. Due to her use of false documentation on her
fourth attempt to enter, Ms. Aviles pled guilty to one count of fraud under 18 U.S.C.
2 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 3
§ 1546 and served 60 days in prison. Id. at 503–06. Upon learning of the availability of
asylum, Ms. Aviles told DHS officials that she did, in fact, fear returning to Mexico. Id.
at 147–48. Since entering the United States, several of Ms. Aviles’s family members
have been threatened, kidnapped, and even murdered because of their connection to
Fernando. Id. at 148–52.
In 2014, DHS commenced removal proceedings against Ms. Aviles. In response,
she timely filed an application for asylum.
B. Procedural history
As a threshold matter, the IJ made an adverse credibility determination against Ms.
Aviles given her use of false documents when attempting to enter the United States and
other misleading statements she made while being processed. Id. at 75–77. Despite the
adverse credibility finding, the IJ noted “that the factual circumstances regarding her
departure from Mexico and the circumstances surrounding the harm that she and her
family experienced were corroborated.” Id. at 76. The IJ denied asylum, in part, because
Ms. Aviles failed to establish that the Mexican government would be unable or unwilling
to protect her, so she could not demonstrate past persecution. Id. at 80–81. The IJ
emphasized that she failed to contact police on several occasions given continuing threats
and intimidation and that the Mexican government continues to fight against drug cartels
with varying efficacy. Id. Ms. Aviles’s inaction may have been motivated by concerns
of futility and fear of retaliation, but it also suggested that the criminals were afraid of
police action that might control the group’s activities. Id. at 81. The IJ also concluded
3 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 4
that Ms. Aviles could not demonstrate a well-founded fear of future persecution
necessary to qualify for asylum. Id. at 82.
Assuming Ms. Aviles’s credibility, the BIA affirmed the IJ’s decision, concluding
that Ms. Aviles could not demonstrate past persecution. The BIA noted the IJ’s finding
that Ms. Aviles chose not to report her ordeal to the police and emphasized the
inconsistencies between Ms. Aviles’s statements that “she believed corrupt officers
would pass along information to the gang members threatening her and her family,” but
later “that gang members would retaliate against her for reporting them to the police.” Id.
at 4. The BIA concluded it was permissible for the IJ to find that the criminals feared
authorities learning of their criminal activities, such that the police could protect and
prevent further harm to Ms. Aviles. Id. Ultimately, the BIA concluded that “on this
record, the balance of the evidence is insufficient to satisfy the respondent’s burden of
proof” that the Mexican government was unwilling or unable to protect her. Id.
Discussion In this case, where a single BIA member issued a brief order affirming the IJ’s
decision, our scope of review is limited to the grounds relied upon by the BIA. Htun v.
Lynch, 818 F.3d 1111, 1118 (10th Cir. 2016). The BIA concluded that Ms. Aviles had
not demonstrated that the Mexican government was unwilling or unable to protect her.
This was the dispositive issue, and the BIA did not consider the IJ’s alternative bases for
4 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 5
denying asylum. R. 4. Thus, we consider only the BIA’s conclusion that Ms. Aviles
cannot demonstrate past persecution.1
Generally, “we will not affirm on grounds raised in the IJ decision unless they are
relied upon by the BIA in its affirmance.” Uanreroro v. Gonzales, 443 F.3d 1197, 1204
(10th Cir. 2006). But we may consult the IJ’s more complete explanation of these issues
to better understand the BIA’s discussion. See id. Because the BIA assumed Ms.
Aviles’s credibility, we do not consider the IJ’s adverse credibility determination. See
Maphilindo v. Holder, 323 F. App’x 659, 661 (10th Cir. 2009) (unpublished) (declining
to consider IJ’s credibility determination where BIA assumed witness’s credibility).
A. Standard of review
We review legal questions de novo and the agency’s fact-finding determinations
for substantial evidence. Addo v. Barr, 982 F.3d 1263, 1268 (10th Cir. 2020). “Under
the substantial-evidence standard, ‘the administrative findings of fact are conclusive
unless any reasonable adjudicator would be compelled to conclude to the contrary.’” Id.
(quoting 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B)). “[O]ur duty is to guarantee that factual
determinations are supported by reasonable, substantial and probative evidence
considering the record as a whole.” Elzour v. Ashcroft, 378 F.3d 1143, 1150 (10th Cir.
2004). Whether an alien has sufficiently demonstrated persecution in their home country
1 Before the IJ, Ms. Aviles also argued for withholding of removal under the Convention Against Torture, R. 10, but Ms. Aviles waived this claim before the BIA, see id. at 3 n.2. On appeal to this court, she concedes that “this aspect of the case is no longer in issue” — so we do not consider it. Pet. Br. at 1 n.1. 5 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 6
— the overarching issue here — is a question of fact. Vicente-Elias v. Mukasey, 532
F.3d 1086, 1091 (10th Cir. 2008).
B. Asylum
To qualify for asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B), Ms. Aviles bears the
burden of establishing that she is a refugee, which necessarily requires a showing that she
has been “persecut[ed]” or has “a well-founded fear of persecution,” id.
§ 1101(a)(42)(A). “[T]o establish eligibility for asylum on the basis of past persecution,
an applicant must show: (1) an incident, or incidents, that rise to the level of persecution;
(2) that is on account of one of the statutorily-protected grounds; and (3) is committed by
the government or forces the government is either unable or unwilling to control.” Niang
v. Gonzales, 422 F.3d 1187, 1194–95 (10th Cir. 2005) (citation omitted).
As the IJ and BIA found, Ms. Aviles never reported her ordeal to the police.
Without such reporting, we have no way of knowing how police would respond and
whether local police would be unable or unwilling to protect Ms. Aviles. Ms. Aviles’s
failure to report the ordeal is “not necessarily fatal” to her claim if she can otherwise
demonstrate that filing a police report would have been futile or dangerous. See In re C-
G-T-, 28 I. & N. Dec. 740, 743–44 (B.I.A. 2023) (quoting Rosales Justo v. Sessions, 895
F.3d 154, 165 (1st Cir. 2018)). But she has not made this showing. When asked why the
authorities would not protect her, Ms. Aviles responded that she knew others in her town
who reported violence to the police “and the police did not do anything. On the contrary,
these people were killed even faster after having gone to the police.” R. 565. When
6 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 7
asked further to give “an example of someone that this happened to[,]” Ms. Aviles
responded, “I don’t know their names or addresse[s]. Just people I have heard about.”
Id. Ms. Aviles’s subjective belief regarding police inaction is insufficient without more
specific evidence.
Ms. Aviles has provided no examples of futility or retaliation (by police or
criminals) in response to police contact initiated by her family or another member of her
community. Instead, the bulk of the record contains reports of government corruption
and violence in Mexico. Without more specific examples, these generalized incidents of
violence are insufficient to demonstrate the government’s inability to protect her. See
Ritonga v. Holder, 633 F.3d 971, 977–78 (10th Cir. 2011); Cisneros-Diaz v. Holder, 415
F. App’x 940, 943–44 (10th Cir. 2011) (unpublished) (rejecting asylum claim where
petitioner presented documents addressing general inadequacies of government’s efforts
but failed to present any first-hand information); Galloso v. Barr, 954 F.3d 1189, 1192–
93 (8th Cir. 2020) (reasoning that reports about violence against women in Mexico were
too general for petitioner to show government was unable or unwilling to help after
petitioner refused to contact police). We cannot say that that “any reasonable adjudicator
would be compelled to conclude to the contrary[.]” 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b)(4)(B).2
2 We likewise conclude that the BIA correctly denied Ms. Aviles’s application for restriction on removal which “requires a petitioner to meet a higher standard than that for asylum.” Batalova v. Ashcroft, 355 F.3d 1246, 1255 (10th Cir. 2004); see also Wiransane v. Ashcroft, 366 F.3d 889, 894 (10th Cir. 2004) (“[W]hen an applicant fails to establish the objective component of a well-founded fear of persecution, he necessarily fails to establish entitlement to restriction on removal.”). 7 Appellate Case: 23-9547 Document: 010111067483 Date Filed: 06/20/2024 Page: 8
The IJ and BIA could also reasonably infer that Ms. Aviles’s fear of retaliation
from the criminal group undercut the notion that police were unable or unwilling to
protect her. R. 4, 81. Government officials and police came to the scene of Fernando’s
murder, id. at 410, forensic medicine personnel performed a legally required autopsy, id.,
and government officials investigated the death of Ms. Aviles’s cousin, id. at 401. That
the BIA chose not to reference this specific evidence is irrelevant. See Hadjimehdigholi
v. I.N.S., 49 F.3d 642, 648 n.2 (10th Cir. 1995) (“[T]he BIA is not required to discuss
every piece of evidence when it renders a decision.”). The IJ and BIA considered the
evidence in the record, see R. 4, 75, and “[a]bsent any indication to the contrary, we
presume BIA members do their job thoroughly.” Batalova v. Ashcroft, 355 F.3d 1246,
1252 (10th Cir. 2004).
Accordingly, the petition for review is DENIED.
Entered for the Court
Paul J. Kelly, Jr. Circuit Judge