US judge blocks parts of Trump's deportation policy targeting speech critical of Israel
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A federal judge in California has ruled that parts of the US government's deportation policies targeting noncitizens over their political expression violate constitutional protections for free speech.
Judge Noel Wise issued the ruling on Friday in a case brought by the Stanford student newspaper, which argued that international students had become afraid to express their views because of the Trump administration's deportation efforts.
Wise said the First Amendment's protections for freedom of speech and the press are "foundational to America's enduring democracy". She struck down portions of the rules used by the federal government in deportation proceedings, citing violations involving free speech and vagueness under the First and Fifth Amendments.
The judge pointed to actions by US immigration authorities in March 2025 against people who expressed support for Palestinians and criticised Israel's conduct in Gaza. She also cited government action against people who criticised Charlie Kirk following the Turning Point USA co-founder's assassination in September 2025.
"Tomorrow, or perhaps even today, targets may include anyone in the United States who exercises their freedom of speech to simply express opinions the government does not like," Wise wrote. "This downward spiral is antithetical to our Constitution that recognises our right to speak freely," she added.
The ruling follows a decision by a federal judge in Boston nearly a year ago that found the Trump administration had violated constitutional rights by targeting noncitizens for deportation based solely on their support for Palestinians and criticism of Israel.
The case was brought by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Conor Fitzpatrick, an attorney with the organisation, welcomed the decision, saying free speech in the US does not belong only to people whose views are supported by the government.