6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

A federal appeals court ruled that Michigan can restrict access to personal voter information, rejecting the Trump administration's request for details like birth dates and Social Security numbers. The court found the Justice Department's cited law did not support the request, upholding a lower court's decision. The administration claims the information is needed to ensure compliance with federal election law, while Michigan argues it could lead to misuse, such as creating a national voter file or sharing with Homeland Security.

A federal appeals court ruled that Michigan can restrict access to personal voter information, including birth dates and driver's license numbers, rejecting the Trump administration's request. The decision aligns with similar rulings in multiple states, as the administration seeks voter data to address election law compliance concerns. At least 13 states have provided or pledged to provide voter registration lists to the government.

The U.S. Department of Justice will appeal a judge’s dismissal of human trafficking charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador in March 2025 and later returned to the U.S. The judge ruled the charges were brought 'selectively and vindictively,' and the government now seeks to deport him again, potentially to Liberia.

The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging a lower court decision that blocked its access to Michigan's sensitive voter data, arguing it weakens investigations into racial discrimination in voting. The case centers on the interpretation of the 1960 Civil Rights Act, with Michigan resisting the request, claiming the data is a state-created record not covered by the law. The debate occurs amid recent Supreme Court rulings that weakened the Voting Rights Act and concerns over the Justice Department's plan to use the data in a Homeland Security program to identify noncitizen voters.

The U.S. Department of Justice argues that a court ruling blocking the Trump administration's access to sensitive voter data would hinder its ability to investigate racial discrimination in voting. The case centers on interpreting the 1960 Civil Rights Act, which grants the attorney general access to election-related records. Michigan refuses to provide unredacted voter data, and the DOJ has sued 30 states over this issue.

The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to address a Trump administration policy allowing indefinite detention without bond for immigrants who crossed the border illegally, as appeals courts have split on its constitutionality. The policy, aimed at increasing removals, has been struck down by three appeals courts but upheld by others, creating inconsistent outcomes for detainees across states.