A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the Trump administration's policy of deporting undocumented immigrants to third countries—those where they are not citizens—is unconstitutional. The decision, handed down Wednesday, challenges a practice implemented during the former president’s tenure. Judge Nathanial G. Gordon stated that the policy violated federal immigration law and exceeded the government’s authority. The lawsuit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of several affected immigrants, argued that the deportations subjected individuals to potentially dangerous conditions and denied them due process.

The policy, which gained prominence during the Trump administration, allowed immigration officials to send migrants to countries beyond their home nations, often under agreements with those third countries. The stated rationale was to deter migration and alleviate pressure on U.S. immigration courts. Critics argued the practice circumvented established legal procedures and put vulnerable individuals at risk. The judge’s ruling specifically addressed the legality of agreements with countries such as Guatemala and El Salvador, where some migrants were sent. The government had argued that these agreements were legally sound and necessary for border management.

However, the court found that the policy lacked sufficient safeguards to protect the rights of those being deported. While the ruling represents a significant legal setback, its scope and long-term impact remain to be seen. The Biden administration has already paused the implementation of similar policies, but this decision could further limit the government’s ability to utilize third-country agreements in the future. The Department of Justice is expected to evaluate its options, which could include appealing the decision.