⚖ Oral Arguments, with Context

The Fifth Circuit considers what process San Antonio owes a lender when it impounds vehicles securing its loans. Santander held liens on thirty-four vehicles. The city's ordinance let officials deem a vehicle abandoned after twenty days, but generally required Santander to show the borrower was thirty days behind before repossession. Santander calls that gap an impossibility trap. It says the city offered no meaningful hearing before keeping or selling the cars, continued the seizures after the safety reason for towing ended, and took the collateral without compensation. The city and Alanis Wrecker Service say Santander received notices, access to hearings about the tow and state-court remedies, and reasonable conditions for release. The district court ruled for both defendants without a trial. Santander appeals.

Santander Consumer v. City of San Antonio (No. 25-50682) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, argued August 6, 2026.