Judge Finds the Trump Administration Unconstitutionally Targeted Noncitizens Over Gaza War Protests

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 22: Pro-Palestinian protesters set up a tent encampment during a demonstration in front of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus on April 22, 2024 in Berkeley, California. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters staged a demonstration in front of Sproul Hall on the UC Berkeley campus where they set up a tent encampment in solidarity with protesters at Columbia University who are demanding a permanent cease fire in war between Israel and Gaza. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

BOSTON (AP) — A federal judge says the Trump administration unconstitutionally targeted noncitizens for deportation over pro-Palestinian protests. U.S. District Judge William Young issued the ruling on Tuesday, agreeing with the plaintiffs that the policy they describe as ideological deportation violates the First Amendment. The decision came after a trial in which plaintiffs presented witnesses who testified that the Trump administration had launched a coordinated effort to target students and scholars who had criticized Israel or showed sympathy for Palestinians. An email to the Homeland Security department for comment was not immediately returned.