Federal Judges Criticize Trump's Deportation Practices, Cite 'Bad Faith'

Federal judges have sharply criticized the Trump administration for its handling of deportations involving migrants with pending asylum claims, citing violations of court orders and a lack of due process. In the case of Cristian, a Venezuelan man deported before his asylum application was reviewed, Judge Stephanie Gallagher ruled the action undermined protections for unaccompanied minors seeking asylum and ordered his return. Similarly, Judge Paula Xinis accused the administration of acting in 'bad faith' and 'wilful and intentional noncompliance' after it failed to cooperate with court orders regarding the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador. Xinis rejected the administration's use of vague national security claims to avoid compliance and set deadlines for more transparent responses and concrete plans for Abrego Garcia's return. These cases are part of a broader judicial pushback against attempts to bypass judicial oversight in immigration matters. Judges have emphasized that migrants are entitled to have their cases properly heard and that the administration must comply with legal protections and court directives.