Federal Judge Accuses Trump Administration of 'Terror' Against Immigrants

Ruling cites deaths of two U.S. citizens, says White House violated law and deprived immigrants of 'liberty, economic stability, and fundamental dignity'

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 U.S. illegally. The judge cited the deaths of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, and said the White House had 'extended its violence on its own citizens.' The judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to provide detained immigrants with notice of their eligibility to seek release on bond, reversing a Trump policy of mandatory detention.

Why it matters

This scathing ruling highlights the ongoing tensions and legal battles over the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have faced significant pushback from the courts and immigrant advocates. The judge's accusations of 'terror' and 'violence' against both immigrants and U.S. citizens underscore the deep divisions and human toll of the administration's approach.

The details

U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes in Riverside, California issued the ruling late Wednesday, ordering 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. Sykes, who was nominated by President Biden, ruled in November and December that the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention for immigrants violated the law. However, the administration has continued denying bond hearings, prompting thousands of immigrants to file separate petitions in federal court seeking their release.

  • The ruling was issued late on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Sykes made earlier rulings in November and December 2025 that the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention violated the law.

The players

Sunshine Sykes

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

Donald Trump

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

Renee Good

An American citizen who died, according to the judge's ruling.

Alex Pretti

Another American citizen who died, according to the judge's ruling.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency ordered by the judge to provide detained immigrants with notice of their eligibility to seek release on bond.

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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

“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

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security will need to comply with the judge's order to provide detained immigrants with notice of their eligibility for bond hearings. This ruling is likely to be appealed by the Trump administration.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have been repeatedly challenged in court. The judge's scathing accusations of 'terror' and 'violence' against both immigrants and U.S. citizens underscore the deep divisions and human toll of the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.