A federal judge in California ruled Friday that 
Donald Trump's administration unconstitutionally sought to deport international students over pro-Palestinian speech and criticism of Israel. U.S. District Judge Noël Wise issued the 90-page ruling, The Hill reported. The decision, PBS NewsHour reported, delivered a victory for The Stanford Daily, the student newspaper at Stanford University, which has said some international students were afraid to speak out because of the deportation threat.
What did the judge find? Wise cited free-speech and vagueness flaws that violate the First and Fifth Amendments as she struck down portions of the provisions the federal government follows regarding deportations, PBS NewsHour reported. She cited retaliation in March 2025 by U.S. immigration authorities against people who engaged in speech supporting the Palestinians and against Israel's actions, as well as retaliation against people who were critical of Charlie Kirk after the Turning Point USA co-founder was assassinated last September. The decision largely builds on findings from nearly a year ago by a U.S. district judge in Boston, who ruled the Trump administration violated the Constitution by targeting noncitizens for deportation solely for supporting Palestinians and criticizing Israel.
What did she say about free speech? "Freedom of speech is illusory if we are only 'free' to express complementary views about the government and its leaders," Wise said. She said noncitizens have the same First Amendment rights as citizens yet were left to guess what U.S. foreign policy was at any given moment, calling that "an incomprehensible standard."
How did the ruling address campuses? Wise said it was clear the government's tactics had affected college campuses. The government, she said, "has offered a chilling message regarding protected speech — speak out against Israel or in support of Palestinians and we will revoke your visa and deport you." At The Stanford Daily, lawfully present noncitizens quit, withheld articles, refused assignments, requested articles be taken down and asked for anonymity due to fear of adverse immigration consequences, the judge said.
How did the parties respond? George Porteous, the Daily's editor-in-chief, said on X: "The reporters in our newsroom shouldn't have to fear that writing a story will result in their deportation. Today's victory means they won't have to." Conor Fitzpatrick, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which brought the lawsuit, said in a release: "In America, free speech doesn't just belong to the people who say things the government agrees with." The Justice Department did not respond Saturday to a message seeking comment, PBS NewsHour reported.
Figures referenced: Donald Trump. — JudgeMarket.
