Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration Violates Free Speech Rights of Noncitizens

Several federal judges have sharply criticized President Donald Trump's administration for actions perceived as undermining free speech and constitutional rights. An open letter by 42 retired judges warned that Trump's targeting of critics through the Justice Department and FBI threatens Americans' rights and liberties. In related cases, U.S. District Judge William Young ruled that noncitizen pro-Palestinian students possess First Amendment rights and condemned the administration's use of immigration policies to suppress their political speech and activism. Judge Young's 161-page ruling denounced Trump’s retaliatory and punitive approach toward dissent, highlighting attempts to intimidate the judiciary and suppress freedom of expression. The judge emphasized that such government actions unlawfully chill protected speech and pose a grave threat to constitutional values. These judicial decisions underscore ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary over civil liberties and the rule of law.