A federal judge has struck down an immigration board's ruling that upheld the Trump administration's policy of mandatory detention for thousands of immigrants. U.S. District Judge Sunshine Sykes, appointed by President Joe Biden, vacated the Board of Immigration Appeals' decision after finding the administration violated her prior order declaring the policy unlawful. Sykes called the administration's actions 'shameless,' accusing it of attempting to 'continue their campaign of illegal action' by refusing bond hearings despite her rulings. The judge emphasized that the policy unjustly targets non-citizens already in the U.S., not just border arrivals, and criticized the government's misleading claims about focusing only on 'the worst of the worst.'

The controversy began when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) expanded its detention authority under President Trump, interpreting 'applicants for admission' to include lawful residents. The Board of Immigration Appeals, part of the Justice Department, adopted this interpretation in September 2025, mandating detention without bond hearings. Sykes' December 2025 ruling declared the policy unconstitutional but initially allowed the board's decision to stand. However, she later intervened after Chief Immigration Judge Teresa Riley instructed judges to ignore her ruling, creating a direct conflict between federal agencies.

Sykes' Wednesday decision highlights ongoing tensions between the executive and judicial branches over immigration enforcement. The ruling underscores constitutional concerns about due process, as detainees are denied bond hearings despite Sykes' earlier finding that the policy violates their rights. The Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Legal experts warn the decision could set a precedent for challenging administrative overreach in immigration law.

The case reflects broader political battles over Trump's legacy policies. By targeting long-term residents rather than border crossers, the administration's approach has drawn criticism for undermining judicial independence. Sykes' forceful language—including calling the government's actions 'shameless'—signals a rare rebuke of federal agencies by a sitting judge. The ruling may force the Justice Department to reevaluate its enforcement strategies amid growing scrutiny of immigration practices.