Judge deals blow to Trump moves to deport pro-Palestinian activists
The ruling found immigration officials used vague laws to punish protected speech and said the policy chilled student journalism, the court said.
- On Friday, U.S. District Judge Noel Wise ruled that the Trump administration violated the Constitution by using immigration laws to deport students critical of Israeli policies in Gaza.
- The Stanford Daily and two international students sued the administration in August 2025, claiming federal officials weaponized the Immigration and Nationality Act to revoke visas for protected speech.
- Court documents reveal the newspaper's coverage suffered a "chilling effect," with more than 150 members declining to cover protests or the war in Gaza for fear of deportation.
- Editor-in-Chief George Porteous celebrated the ruling, stating "Today's victory means they won't have to" fear deportation, while FIRE attorney Conor Fitzpatrick called free speech an inalienable right.
- Wise criticized Secretary of State Marco Rubio's "standardless" enforcement of visa revocations, noting the government cannot punish citizens or noncitizens simply because officials dislike their protected political speech.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Because of their criticism of Israel or solidarity with Palestine, the Trump administration deprived some students of their visas. A federal judge now states: The legal basis had shortcomings.
Judge Rules Trump Deportation Effort Against Pro-Palestinian Activists Unconstitutional
San Jose, California — A federal judge ruled Friday that the Trump administration violated the Constitution by using immigration laws to revoke visas and pursue deportation of noncitizen students based on protected pro-Palestinian speech. U.S. District Judge Noel Wise found that provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act were unconstitutional when applied to people targeted because of their political expression. The case was brought by Th…
Judge strikes down Trump visa policy targeting foreign pro-Palestinian university students
The judge said that in the United States, free speech, including the freedom to criticize the government and its leaders, was evidence of the strength of the country's democracy.
The visa was withdrawn from the students for pro-Palestinian statements.
Judge deals setback to Trump’s bid to deport pro-Palestinian activists
A federal judge in California has ruled that the Trump administration’s use of immigration laws to revoke visas and pursue deportation of noncitizen college students over pro-Palestinian advocacy is unconstitutional
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
