Courts in Conflict: Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Faces Judicial Fire
Judges push back as Trump tests limits of immigration law.
WASHINGTON — For everyone who has been following Congress and the White House, it’s time to refocus back on the Courts, where there is a flurry of news in regards to immigration. Here’s a recap:
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Federal Judge Indicted for Aiding Migrant Escape
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly helping an undocumented Mexican migrant, Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, evade immigration arrest. The April 2025 incident occurred in her courtroom, where Dugan reportedly directed Flores-Ruiz through a jury door to avoid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He was later captured outside the courthouse.
Dugan, 66, was arrested in April and faces up to five years in prison if convicted of obstruction. The case underscores the escalating clash between the judiciary and the Trump administration, which has renewed its aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the indictment with a stark warning: "We will find you," aimed at anyone aiding undocumented migrants. The move has sparked political controversy, drawing criticism from Democrats and praise from Republicans.
Dugan, elected in 2016, has denied wrongdoing and intends to plead not guilty at her upcoming hearing.
Court Greenlights Trump’s Use of 1798 Alien Enemies Act
In a groundbreaking ruling, U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines of Pennsylvania upheld the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act, a law dating back to 1798, to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which Trump recently designated a foreign terrorist group.
Haines, a Trump appointee, backed the administration’s legal authority but imposed key restrictions: potential deportees must receive at least 21 days' notice, a chance to contest removal, and access to interpreters and bilingual notices. She criticized the government’s practice of rapid deportations, sometimes conducted “within hours.”
The ruling came in the case of A.S.R., a Venezuelan man whose gang affiliation was not proven. The ACLU, representing A.S.R., plans to appeal, calling the application of the Alien Enemies Act during peacetime unconstitutional.
Haines' decision contradicts federal rulings in New York, Colorado, and Texas, which rejected the same legal interpretation. Notably, ICE transferred A.S.R. to Texas despite a court order barring the move—an act noted by Haines but left unpunished.
The administration continues deporting alleged gang members under a $6 million agreement with El Salvador, part of its hardline immigration push. The White House has not commented on the ruling.
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Federal Judge Threatens Trump DOJ with Contempt in Deportation Case
U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis warned the Trump administration it could face contempt of court for refusing to provide a privilege log explaining its use of state secrets in the high-profile deportation case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
Xinis, an Obama-era judge, ordered the Justice Department to comply within 30 minutes on Tuesday, calling their silence an “intentional refusal” to follow court orders. The DOJ submitted the log shortly after the deadline.
Abrego Garcia was deported in March to CECOT, El Salvador’s notorious prison, despite a previous immigration judge's ruling protecting him from removal and a Supreme Court order demanding his return. Trump has refused to intervene, citing dubious evidence, including a photoshopped image linking Abrego Garcia to MS-13.
While the administration initially admitted the deportation was a mistake, it has since walked back that concession. Judge Xinis has ordered two weeks of discovery to investigate whether the administration has made any real effort to comply with the Supreme Court's order.
Much of the case remains sealed due to the administration’s invocation of state secrets. Fourteen media outlets have petitioned to unseal the records, arguing the public has a right to oversight. Xinis agreed to tighten rules on future sealing requests and scheduled a Friday hearing to review the secrecy claims.
ICE Declines to hold hearing for Newark Mayor, Calls Allegation 'Petty'
In a surprising decision, US Attorney for New Jersey notified the court that the Justice Department does not believe a preliminary hearing is necessary Thursday in the case of the Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, citing what they referred to as a “petty offense.”
Yes, you read that right.
More to follow here and on social media.