Federal Judge Accuses Trump Administration of 'Terror' Against Immigrants

Ruling finds White House violated court orders and illegally denied immigrants bond hearings

Published on Feb. 26, 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 American citizens and said the White House had 'extended its violence on its own citizens'.

Why it matters

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal battles between the federal government and the courts over immigration policies, with judges repeatedly finding the Trump administration in violation of laws and court orders. It raises questions about the administration's treatment of immigrants and the impact on families and communities.

The details

U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes in Riverside, California issued a scathing decision, accusing the Trump administration of violating her previous order that found it was illegally denying many detained immigrants a chance for release on bond. Sykes ordered the Department of Homeland Security to provide immigrants with notice of their eligibility for bond and access to a phone to call an attorney.

  • On December 5, Judge Sykes first ruled the administration's mandatory detention policy violated an act of Congress.
  • In November and December, Judge Sykes extended her decision to immigrants nationwide.
  • On February 19, 2026, Judge Sykes issued her latest ruling accusing the administration of 'terrorizing immigrants'.

The players

Judge Sunshine Sykes

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

Renee Good and Alex Pretti

Two American citizens who were killed, which the judge said was an extension of the administration's 'violence on its own citizens'.

Trump Administration

The federal government under former President Donald Trump, which the judge accused of 'terrorizing immigrants' and recklessly violating the law.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The government agency that the judge ordered to provide immigrants with notice of their eligibility for bond and access to a phone to call an attorney.

Matt Adams

An attorney for the plaintiffs in the lawsuit before Judge Sykes, who expressed hope her ruling would lead to the return of bond hearings for immigrants.

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What they’re saying

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

— Judge Sunshine Sykes, U.S. District Judge (Chicago Tribune)

“Judicial orders should never be violated.”

— U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz (Chicago Tribune)

“Certainly in the normal course of things, the immigration judges would return to granting bond hearings.”

— Matt Adams, Attorney for plaintiffs (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to provide immigrants with notice of their eligibility for bond and access to a phone to call an attorney within an hour. It remains to be seen if the administration will comply with the order or appeal the ruling.

The takeaway

This ruling underscores the ongoing legal battles over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, with judges repeatedly finding the White House in violation of laws and court orders. It raises concerns about the administration's treatment of immigrants and the impact on families and communities across the country.