Seven Federal Judges Strike Down Trump Admin Policies This Week

In a striking series of judicial rebukes, federal judges across the United States have delivered a barrage of rulings this week against the Trump administration, challenging its policies on immigration, funding, and social programs. This cascade of decisions underscores a deepening tension between the executive branch and the judiciary, raising questions about the balance of power in a polarized political landscape.

Immigration Orders Blocked: Among the most notable rulings, a federal judge in Colorado issued a temporary restraining order to halt the deportation of the family of Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian national under investigation for a firebombing attack in Boulder. Despite visa overstays, the judge prioritized the family’s right to a fair hearing. Similarly, in Oregon, a judge barred ICE from removing a transgender Mexican asylum seeker, demanding transparency on the urgency of the action. And in a win for free speech, a Columbia University student, Yunseo Chung, facing deportation over an anti-Israel protest, secured a court order blocking ICE’s actions.

Deportation Challenges and Errors: In another blow, a federal judge ruled that deported migrants, like Salvadorian national Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia—an alleged MS-13 member mistakenly deported—can challenge their removals. The court also unsealed records in the case, potentially opening the door to sanctions against the administration for procedural missteps.

Funding and Programs Under Fire: Beyond immigration, judges struck down Trump administration attempts to withhold federal transportation funding from local governments like Denver, citing a violation of the Separation of Powers doctrine. In a separate case, a judge ordered the restoration of millions in funding and thousands of jobs for AmeriCorps, rejecting abrupt cuts as unlawful. Additionally, the closure of Job Corps centers—vital for disadvantaged youth—was halted by a temporary restraining order, despite administration claims of inefficiency and safety issues.

These rulings, some from judges appointed under prior administrations, fuel the narrative of a judiciary pushing back against executive overreach. As White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt decried these decisions as a ‘constitutional crisis’ within the courts, the clash between branches of government seems poised to intensify. With hearings and further legal battles on the horizon, the nation watches as the scales of power teeter in uncertainty.