Federal Judge Accuses Trump Administration of 'Terror' Against Immigrants

Ruling cites deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota as administration continues to violate court orders on immigrant detention.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A federal judge in California has accused the Trump administration of terrorizing immigrants and recklessly violating the law in its efforts to deport millions of people living in the country illegally. The judge cited the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota as evidence that the administration's policies have extended 'violence on its own citizens' beyond just non-citizens.

Why it matters

This scathing ruling from a federal judge highlights the growing tensions and legal battles over the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which critics say have gone too far in violating the rights of both immigrants and U.S. citizens. The case raises questions about the limits of executive power and the role of the courts in checking the administration's actions.

The details

U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes in Riverside, California, ordered the Department of Homeland Security to provide detained immigrants around the country with notice of her earlier decisions that they may be eligible to seek release on bond. The Trump administration, however, has continued denying bond hearings, prompting thousands of immigrants to file separate petitions in federal court seeking their release. Sykes said the administration had 'wasted valuable time and resources' and deprived immigrants of their 'liberty, economic stability, and fundamental dignity' by violating her rulings.

  • In November and December 2025, Judge Sykes ruled that the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention for immigrants violated the law.
  • Since Trump's inauguration in 2017, more than 20,000 habeas corpus cases have been filed by immigrants seeking release from detention.

The players

Sunshine Sykes

A U.S. District Judge in Riverside, California, who was nominated by President Joe Biden.

Donald Trump

The former President whose administration's hardline immigration policies are the subject of the judge's scathing ruling.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was killed in Minnesota, which the judge cited as evidence of the administration's 'violence on its own citizens.'

Alex Pretti

Another U.S. citizen who was killed in Minnesota, which the judge cited as evidence of the administration's 'violence on its own citizens.'

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that the judge ordered to provide detained immigrants with notice of her rulings on their eligibility for bond hearings.

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What they’re saying

“The threats posed by the executive branch cannot be viewed in isolation.”

— Sunshine Sykes, U.S. District Judge (bigrapidsnews.com)

“Americans have expressed deep concerns over unlawful, wanton acts by the executive branch.”

— Sunshine Sykes, U.S. District Judge (bigrapidsnews.com)

“Beyond its terror against noncitizens, the executive branch has extended its violence on its own citizens, killing two American citizens— Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota.”

— Sunshine Sykes, U.S. District Judge (bigrapidsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge's ruling requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide detained immigrants with notice of their eligibility for bond hearings, which the administration has continued to deny despite the court orders. This is likely to prompt more legal challenges and petitions from immigrants seeking release from detention.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement policies, which critics say have gone too far in violating the rights of both immigrants and U.S. citizens. The ruling underscores the important role of the courts in checking executive power and upholding the rule of law.