Appeals court rules detained immigrants have no constitutional right to bond hearings

Who's involved

• 5th U.S. Circuit Court of AppealsCourt that issued the ruling
• Judge Cory WilsonTrump-appointed judge who wrote the majority opinion
• Judge Andrew OldhamJudge who wrote concurring opinion
• Judge Leslie SouthwickGeorge W. Bush appointee who wrote dissent
• Rebecca CasslerSenior litigation attorney at American Immigration Council who argued the case
• Joaquin CastroU.S. Representative who criticized the ruling

The facts

• 5th Circuit ruled 10-7 that detained immigrants have no right to bond hearings under current immigration law.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources
• The case involved three men arrested by Texas state troopers during traffic stops between November 2025 and February 2026.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources
• All three men had lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years, worked, and have American citizen children.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources
• ICE held the three men in detention without allowing them to see a judge.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources
• Judge Wilson wrote that if immigrants want to be free, they can agree to leave the country.^{2 3} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Rebecca Cassler, American Immigration Council The ruling is an attack on constitutional due process rights guaranteed to everyone in the U.S.^{2 3}
• Judge Leslie Southwick The ruling has created an impenetrable wall between the Constitution and these long-term residents.^{2 3}
• Joaquin Castro The court stripped immigrants in the region of due process rights and broke from legal precedent.⁵