National Immigration Project

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals initially ruled the Trump administration’s policy of detaining immigrants without bond unconstitutional but later voted to rehear the case en banc, canceling the prior decision. The case involves three immigrants in Texas who challenged their detention, and the rehearing could affect thousands in detention in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

A U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration's policy of detaining immigrants without bond hearings is unconstitutional, requiring bond hearings within 90 days for those arrested on immigration charges. The decision affects Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, benefiting detained immigrants including Ignacio Sosnava Rodriguez, Alejandro Villegas Angel, and Miguel Angel Gomez Alvarado, who had lived in the U.S. for over a decade.

ICE detained 77-year-old Palestinian grandfather Akram Mahmoud Omar after a federal judge ordered his release following a heart attack in custody. Despite a court mandate to free him, ICE re-detained Omar for deportation within days, prompting another emergency court order to stop the removal.

The New Orleans immigration court has increased daily hearings under the Trump administration’s Department of Justice to expedite deportation decisions. Large 'mega master' hearings, which can include over 100 people, are being criticized by immigrant rights groups for pressuring unrepresented individuals to forfeit their right to challenge deportation.

The New Orleans immigration court has begun conducting large-scale 'mega master' hearings, part of the Trump administration’s Department of Justice strategy to expedite deportation cases. These hearings, which can include over 100 individuals at a time, have raised concerns among immigrant rights groups, as many attendees lack legal representation and face increased risks of deportation orders.