Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic

Rule Changes

Co-counsel in New England class action

In July 2025, the Trump administration declared that anyone who crossed the border illegally—even decades ago—is subject to indefinite detention without a bond hearing. The policy affects millions and has kept thousands locked up for months or years while their deportation cases grind through the courts. On December 19 and 26, 2025, federal judges in Massachusetts and California certified classes and ruled the policy unlawful, potentially freeing tens of thousands of detained immigrants to seek release.

Updated May 16