Sweeping immigration policies implemented by Donald Trump’s administration have faced opposition from a federal judge. In a recent ruling, a Massachusetts judge ruled it illegal to deport immigrants to third countries with which they have no ties, emphasizing that it violates the basic rights of people in the US.
Federal judge calls Donald Trump’s immigration policy ‘unlawful’
On Wednesday, February 25, U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy not only condemned the Trump administration’s deportation plans, but also provided a detailed explanation behind his decision.
“These are our laws, and it is with deep gratitude for the incredible fortune of being born in the United States that this Court affirms them and a fundamental principle of our nation: that no ‘person’ in this country shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,” Murphy declared. The Hindu.
The federal judge also said that immigrants who protest the Department of Homeland Security’s policy have a right to receive “meaningful notice,” as well as a fair opportunity to express their objections before being deported. In sharp contrast, Donald Trump’s immigration policy “eliminates legitimate challenges to third country removals by effecting removals before those challenges can even be raised.”
Murphy also accused Trump and his administration of ignoring his instructions on several occasions. For example, the Defense Department forced the permanent relocation of six class members to El Salvador and Mexico in March 2025, without following the required process listed under the temporary restraining order approved by Murphy.
Additionally, the Massachusetts judge alleged that the Department of Homeland Security was specifically targeting individuals who had received protections out of fear that they would be harmed if sent back to their countries of origin.
Murphy said, “The simple reality is that no one knows about the merits of any individual class member’s claim because (administration officials) are hiding the predicate fact: country of removal.”
Since issuing his ruling against Donald Trump’s latest immigration policy, Murphy has agreed to suspend his ruling for a period of 15 days so the government can challenge his decision.
Originally reported by Apoorva Rastogi Mandatory