Mendoza v. DHS — Fed. Cir. (argued September 9, 2026)
The Federal Circuit hears Mendoza versus the Department of Homeland Security. DHS removed federal employee Antonio Mendoza after finding that he committed misconduct and breached a last-chance agreement. Last-chance agreements can let an employee avoid immediate removal in exchange for conditions that may include waiving appeal rights. The Merit Systems Protection Board dismissed his appeal based on that waiver. Mendoza asks whether the waiver bars review of whether the alleged misconduct happened and, if not, whether the Board adequately resolved conflicting testimony.
Mendoza v. DHS (No. 25-1560) — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, argued September 9, 2026.
Sources
Argument audio — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (public domain, 17 U.S.C. § 105):https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/oral-arguments/25-1560_09092026.mp3
Argument listing — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/home/oral-argument/listen-to-oral-arguments/
Argument calendar — U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/wp-content/uploads/OralArguments/PublicCalendar-September2026.pdf
Final order — Merit Systems Protection Board:https://www.mspb.gov/decisions/nonprecedential/Mendoza_AntonioDA-0752-21-0226-I-1_Final_Order.pdf
Rodriguez v. Department of the Army — Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/11-3115.pdf
Lizzio v. Department of the Army — Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/07-3224.pdf
Jones v. Defense Logistics Agency — Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/24-2110.OPINION.6-9-2025_2527323.pdf
Ross v. Merit Systems Protection Board — Federal Circuit:https://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/09-3178.pdf
- 0:00Introduction
- 0:52Christopher Bonk — Antonio Mendoza
- 20:12Counsel for DHS
- 39:52Substantial evidence