Story perspectives

DOJ Says ICE Representation Impossible, Case Heads to Supreme Court

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Department of Justice lawyers say representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement is impossible because it withholds information, and attorneys must defend in cases, and dispute is headed to Supreme Court.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration argues residents remain “applicants for admission,” a view rejected by 300 courts.
Appeals courts are split 2–2, leaving it unresolved while the chief judge said ICE violated court orders in January 2026 than federal agencies have.

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Story summary

Department of Justice lawyers say representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement is impossible because it withholds information, and attorneys must defend in cases, and dispute is headed to Supreme Court.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration argues residents remain “applicants for admission,” a view rejected by 300 courts.
Appeals courts are split 2–2, leaving it unresolved while the chief judge said ICE violated court orders in January 2026 than federal agencies have.