A federal judge in Boston ruled that President Donald Trump’s policy of deporting undocumented immigrants to countries where they are not citizens is unconstitutional, as it doesn’t provide sufficient notice or protection for migrants. The ruling requires the administration to give migrants “meaningful notice” before removal and time to raise objections.
The court criticized the government’s reliance on vague assurances about migrant safety in third countries. The judge, Murphy, stayed his decision for 15 days to allow an appeal from the government. This ruling is a significant blow to the Trump administration’s mass deportation program, which has sent thousands of migrants to countries like El Salvador and Equatorial Guinea. The court’s final ruling makes it harder for the administration to continue using this policy widely.
The ruling comes as part of a nearly year-long legal battle over the administration’s third-country removal policy. Last spring, the judge temporarily halted the government’s actions, but the Supreme Court later reinstated them. This latest decision is a major win for immigration advocates, who argue that the policy puts migrants at risk of persecution and harm.
The Trump administration has faced criticism for its handling of the program, which has spent over $40 million on sending hundreds of migrants to countries with poor records on corruption and human rights. The administration claims it has no choice but to partner with foreign governments willing to accept undocumented immigrants, citing their criminal histories. However, critics argue that this policy fails to provide sufficient protection for migrants.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/02/25/federal-judge-migrants-deportations-trump-ruling