Federal Judge Accuses White House of ‘Terror’ Against Immigrants in US
In a scathing decision, US District Judge Sunshine Sykes has accused the Trump administration of terrorising immigrants and recklessly violating the law in its aggressive efforts to deport millions of people. The judge, based in Riverside, California, asserted that the White House has extended its violence against its own citizens, citing the killings of two US citizens in Minnesota.
Judge Sykes Condemns Administration's Actions
Judge Sykes stated, "The threats posed by the executive branch cannot be viewed in isolation." She highlighted that the administration violated her December ruling, which found it was illegally denying many detained immigrants a chance for release. This comes amid record levels of immigrants in detention after apprehensions by various agencies under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Sykes ordered DHS to provide detainees with notice of potential bond eligibility and access to a phone to call an attorney within an hour. She also overturned a September immigration court ruling that the administration had used to justify its mandatory detention policy for those suspected of being in the US illegally.
White House and DHS Response
The White House referred comments to the homeland security department, which issued a statement defending its actions. The department claimed the Supreme Court had "repeatedly overruled" lower courts on mandatory detention and that ICE adheres to all court decisions until they are overturned by the highest court.
Historically, under past administrations, individuals without criminal records could request bond hearings while their cases proceeded, unless stopped at the US-Mexico border. The Trump administration reversed this practice, leading to thousands of immigrants filing habeas corpus petitions in federal court seeking release. Since Trump's inauguration, over 20,000 such cases have been filed, according to federal court records analysed by the Associated Press.
Judicial Pushback and Contempt Findings
Judges have granted many of these petitions but later found the administration violating orders to release detainees or provide relief. In a rare move, a federal judge in Minnesota found a Trump administration lawyer in contempt of court for failing to return identification documents to an immigrant ordered released.
Similarly, a federal judge in New Jersey ordered the administration to explain procedures for ensuring court orders are followed consistently and on time. US District Judge Michael Farbiarz noted that Trump officials failed to meet court-ordered deadlines for bond hearings in 12 of approximately 550 cases since 5 December, emphasising, "Judicial orders should never be violated."
Broader Implications and Criticism
Judge Sykes ruled in November and December that the mandatory detention policy violated an act of Congress, extending her decision nationwide. However, the Republican administration continued denying bond hearings. Sykes argued that failing to provide due process harms families, communities, and the nation's fabric.
She also criticised claims that the immigration crackdown targeted the worst criminals, noting most arrestees did not fit that description. Sykes wrote, "Americans have expressed deep concerns over unlawful, wanton acts by the executive branch. Beyond its terror against noncitizens, the executive branch has extended its violence on its own citizens, killing two American citizens – Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota."
Matt Adams, an attorney for plaintiffs in the lawsuit before Sykes, expressed hope that her ruling would end mandatory detention, allowing immigration judges to resume granting bond hearings. This case underscores ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement and legal compliance.
