A federal judge in the United States has delivered a scathing rebuke to former President Donald Trump's administration, labelling its actions against noncitizen, pro-Palestinian academics as 'authoritarian'. The judge announced he will issue a protective order to shield those involved in a lawsuit challenging what he called an 'unconstitutional conspiracy'.
A Judicial Shield for Academic Speech
US District Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, stated on Thursday that he will formally issue an order within a week. This order aims to protect noncitizen academics who are part of a lawsuit against the government from having their immigration status changed in retaliation. Any attempt by the administration to deport these individuals would be presumed punitive, forcing the government to prove in court that its motives were 'appropriate'.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed by academic associations, including the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association. They challenged the administration's aggressive pursuit of scholars and students following executive orders signed by Trump in January 2025 to combat antisemitism on campuses after protests over the war in Gaza.
Constitutional Violations and 'Fearful' Leadership
In a hearing, Judge Young was unequivocal in his criticism. He asserted that the US State and Homeland Security departments had violated the First Amendment by chilling the free speech of noncitizen academics nationwide. 'The big problem in this case is that the cabinet secretaries, and ostensibly, the president of the United States, are not honouring the first amendment,' Young said.
He described the abridgment of these rights as 'appalling' and accused top officials under Trump of adopting 'a fearful approach to freedom'. Young specifically criticised Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for targeting activists. 'I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled... to find the conduct of such high-level officers... conspired to infringe the first amendment rights,' he stated.
High-Profile Cases and Legal Reversals
The lawsuit was triggered by the high-profile arrest in March of Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia University graduate, who became the first target of the administration's push. The Department of Homeland Security cited Trump's executive orders when announcing his arrest.
Another case involved Rümeysa Öztürk, a Tufts University student detained in Massachusetts after co-authoring an opinion piece critical of her school's response to the Gaza war. Both have since been released from immigration custody following court challenges. However, in a significant development, a federal appeals court overturned the ruling in Khalil's case on Thursday, potentially allowing for his re-detention. His legal team plans to appeal.
The White House responded to Judge Young's comments, with spokesperson Anna Kelly calling it 'bizarre that this judge is broadcasting his intent to engage in leftwing activism'. The administration has previously stated it will appeal Young's broader September decision which found constitutional violations.
