Appeals court rules against Trump on no-bond detention for immigrants

Key Points:

• The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration cannot deny immigrants detained inside the U.S. the opportunity for release on bond, deepening a split among federal appeals courts over mandatory detention policies.
• Four other appeals courts have rejected the administration’s policy, while the Fifth and Eighth Circuits have supported it, increasing the likelihood that the U.S. Supreme Court will address the issue.
• The Department of Homeland Security strongly disagreed with the ruling, asserting confidence in its legal position and emphasizing enforcement of immigration laws to maintain safety.
• The Trump administration expanded mandatory detention to immigrants inside the U.S. last July as part of a mass deportation campaign, leading to numerous lawsuits and criticism from federal judges.
• In the majority opinion, Judge Daniel Bress, a Trump appointee, rejected the administration’s interpretation of the 1996 immigration law, while dissenting Judge Carlos Bea supported the administration’s reading based on congressional amendments.