Story perspectives

DOJ Defies Judge, Holds Thousands Immigrants Detained Past Release Dates.

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Justice Department refused a judge’s order, keeping thousands of immigrants detained past release dates.
President Donald Trump’s administration keeps immigrants detained without bond after a judge ruled the policy unlawful.
Judge Sunshine Sykes said the administration is terrorizing immigrants and attempting to erase constitutional checks on power.
An AP review found 31 lawsuits where district judges said the administration violated court orders on deportations, layoffs, spending cuts and immigration.

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Story summary

The Justice Department refused a judge’s order, keeping thousands of immigrants detained past release dates.
President Donald Trump’s administration keeps immigrants detained without bond after a judge ruled the policy unlawful.
Judge Sunshine Sykes said the administration is terrorizing immigrants and attempting to erase constitutional checks on power.
An AP review found 31 lawsuits where district judges said the administration violated court orders on deportations, layoffs, spending cuts and immigration.