A federal judge has ruled against the Trump administration’s initiative to accelerate the deportation process for migrants held in the U.S. interior, citing a breach of due process. The policy, which sought to expedite deportations without a hearing before an immigration judge, was deemed by the judge as infringing upon fundamental rights.

The ruling, issued on Friday, underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies in the United States. The attempt to expand the scope of expedited deportations has sparked debate over the balance between national security concerns and individual rights within the immigration system.

In response to the decision, a Department of Homeland Security official reiterated the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. The official stated, “While we respect the court’s decision, we remain steadfast in our efforts to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of our immigration system.”

Legal experts suggest that the judge’s ruling could have broader implications for the administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. The clash between expedited processes and due process rights continues to be a focal point in immigration policy discussions, reflecting the complexities of balancing efficiency with constitutional protections.

The Trump administration’s efforts to streamline deportation procedures have faced scrutiny from advocacy groups and legal experts concerned about the potential erosion of legal safeguards for migrants. The recent court decision marks a significant development in the ongoing legal landscape surrounding immigration policies and enforcement practices in the United States.