This is one step further than simple Lawfare, this story is about lower court judges openly strategizing ways to stop the enforcement of laws they are supposed to uphold.
Last week the Fifth Circuit Cout of Appeals ruled that detaining illegal aliens during the deportation proceedings is entirely following current immigration law [SEE HERE]. Now, according to Politico, federal judges in Texas are openly strategizing ways to work around that higher court ruling and keep giving bond releases to illegal aliens under the guise of “liberty interest.”
POLITICO – […] two federal district court judges in Texas, who are bound by the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit’s ruling, said the 2-1 decision left an opening for them to continue granting immigrants’ release on other grounds, primarily constitutional arguments against detaining people who have established roots in the U.S. without due process. Those roots amount, in legal parlance, to a “liberty interest” that the Constitution says cannot be taken away without at least a hearing before a neutral judge.
“This conclusion is not changed by the Fifth Circuit’s recent decision,” Judge Kathleen Cardone, an El Paso based appointee of George W. Bush, ruled late Monday in at least five cases, concluding that the circuit’s decision “has no bearing on this Court’s determination of whether [the petitioner] is being detained in violation of his constitutional right to procedural due process.”
Judge David Briones, an El Paso-based Clinton appointee, reached a similar conclusion.
“The Court reiterates its original holding that noncitizens who have ‘established connections’ in the United States by virtue of living in the country for a substantial period acquire a liberty interest in being free from government detention without due process of law,” Briones wrote.
The decisions from the Texas-based judges are notable in part because the administration has often rushed detainees there after their arrests in other states such as Minnesota.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A Justice Department official, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said the rulings were in keeping with the view that there are rogue judges who continue to make results-oriented decisions to suit their personal policy preferences.
The 5th Circuit’s ruling has yet to percolate through federal courts across Texas and Louisiana, where detained immigrants have been filing so-called “habeas” petitions in extraordinary numbers to seek freedom from what they say is illegal detention without the opportunity for bond. The losing parties in Friday’s ruling may still appeal the decision to the full bench of the 5th Circuit or the Supreme Court. (more)
Lower courts trying to circumvent higher court rulings, even before any plaintiff brings them a case or argument.
This is judicial activism in the extremes.

Line em up against the nearest wall.
That would be my first choice
If a couple of judges got a good, old fashioned talkin to I bet it would help.
Not nearly good enough as far as I am concerned.
I propose a sending up a bad decision to a panel which would award demerits for the judge who made the decision. With enough demerits the judge sent to congress for reconfirmation. If he manages to get reconfirmed but continues to accumulate demerits, he is kicked off the bench without recourse.
Problem is, it never seems to happen.
Counting on Congress for anything is an extremely based idea…..unless of course your with the left!
And no blindfolds. Let them see what real justice and our forefather’s Constitution truly means.
Public canings would do wonders.
Canings aren’t exactly what I had in mind.
There needs to be a bounty on these clowns.
It’s sad to say these judges are subverting and perverting the USA court system. None will be removed from the bench. It’s the only way left.
Hang those saw kuckkers!
No consequences means it’ll continue unabated.
I’d rather see them ‘hang’ around for awhile!
Once you are above the JP level of justice you are rather screwed 6 ways to Sunday.
“………“The Court reiterates its original holding that noncitizens who have ‘established connections’ in the United States by virtue of living in the country for a substantial period acquire a liberty interest in being free from government detention without due process of law,” Briones wrote.”
An illegal who can hide out for X amount of time or is just lucky and is overlooked for X amount of time is still a noncitizen. Where is it stated in the immigration laws that an illegal immigrant acquires a liberty interest after X amount of time and is free from government detention due to their illegal entry?
So in other words if a person illegally enters and makes friends they have rights, protections, and privileges not even a citizen is granted.
So, wouldn’t liberty interest apply to any person who breaks the law with family that would be ruined by incarceration?
Enough is enough.
I agree. These judges conveniently forget that the ‘legal’ citizens of this country chose to live in a proscribed manner and codified it to ensure rogue judges like these wouldn’t start making things up as they go.
It is the same argument politicians use all the time. “Even though what we are doing is against the law we have been doing it so long that it must now be accepted by precedent. “
Same thing with the illegal who can pop a baby out on our soil and that baby– VOILA!!__ becomes an American citizen. MALARKY!
Right!!
The old adage, “well if you don’t like it vote” we did! And we voted for all removed blood or blister.
And ICE? They get attacked but what about the thousands of deaths by illegals, on innocent people. Rapes? No comparison, so either do the job or let us.
Exactly!
I CONCUR!!
Did they show for court date?
These judges should all be removed then prosecuted
These two judges in Texas are either getting mordida (under the table rewards) and/ or want to go higher in their activist lawfare professions and are connected to those who will help them do so if they play along. It’s not about the law. It’s grift and anti-Americanism. They are traitors to our country. Funny how their names attract *outside* the law interests..
Corrupt judges putting their heads together to thwart the established law is conspiracy to overthrow the lawful government. This color revolution is openly showing more brass. The enemy is beginning to show itself too clearly.
Until there’s a whole lot more below the belt running the DOJ then Jeff Sessions in a dress, sweeping, meaningful actions against every lawfare attempt will just continue to slow PDT’s agenda as mandated by a majority of Americans. Hey, maybe someone should tell Barbie Biondi talking tough and making media appearances while running out the clock until the midterms just isn’t cutting it.
She needs a spruce twig across her derriere. Maybe two.
Meanwhile, my honey and I went to see “MELANIA” today and it was great. The documentary and the audience. I clapped at the end and that brought our those who may be afraid to show their colors but I doubt any Lefties were in the theater.
After talking to a few folks I got the feeling that many MAGA folks are getting really fed up with what’s going on and want to see heads roll….like Comey and James who cut bait and are still walking free. Not alone all the other felons we here at CTH could name.
But I trust our President Donald J. Trump and pray that God continues to give him the wisdom, the courage and the strength to lead our country out of this COUP!
I just hope he knows that there are MILLIONS of us ready to wipe out these Evil heathens when the time comes because CONGRASS is not going to do it. The unSupreme court is not going to do it. And the CIA is working furiously for some new ammo to attack us.
Just like 1776 and beyond it is going to take real Patriots to save our country because the evil Dems and Republicans are not going to go down without a fight.
HUZZAH!
If I have successfully robbed a bank enough times do I get to keep the money ?
If you are from Somalia, yes.
According to liberals if you did it to fund your kids’ futures (school, buying homes, etc.) then even if you have to go to jail they get to still keep that money because it wasn’t their fault.
WE ARE THE BANK they are robbing!!
If you are a cream colored male, then no, you do not get to keep the money….and…you probably go to jail.
As long as roberts remains on the bench, the House will never move to defund these weaponized, activist judges though they hold the power to do so. Actions / orders like this always come from the same sewer of degenerate big money politicos. Godless, corrupt, no moral compass…
Sedition seems to fit this scenario
I really can’t understand wtf is wrong with these people. Protection of AMERICAN CITIZENS paramount. Full stop. Get these fn illegals the f out of OUR Country!!! The laws on the books are crystal clear!!! No deviations! No judge has the right to do this nonsense. Sigh……😡😡😡
Well said Sir
It’s called seditious activities, AKA sedition.
Send the judges to El Salvador. Bukele knows where to put them.
/s, ofc
I posted this in mid 2020 on TCTH prior to the obvious Steal………..It’s time to copy and re-paste…..I’m glad some of you are starting to catch on…
We are a Republic run by corrupt Lawyers and a corrupt Judiciary……
Virtually all of the exposed corruption at the FBI/DOJ and other Bureaucracies has been and
continues to be willfully committed by Un-elected corrupt Bureaucrat Lawyers…..
Essentially, D.C Law-Firms write the Legislation that the Lawyer politicians pass as “Bills”…..Most Lobbyist are Lawyers…..
Almost half of Congress are Lawyers……Most of those same Lawyers are connected to one of the D.C Law-Firms…..This includes Bill Barr…….
95% of D.C voted for Hillary Clinton…….This would include the D.C Lawyers……..
Law-Firms overwhelming donate to Democrats…It’s not even close……
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are both corrupt Lawyers….
Hunter Biden is a corrupt Lawyer…..
Politically connected Lawyers protect other Politically connected Lawyers regardless of Party affiliation……This is what you’re seeing play out today in real time…..
Corrupt Lawyers and activist Judges have brought our Republic to its knees…..
Getting President Trump re-elected is priority One…
Addressing the corrupt Law profession and the corrupt Judiciary should be priority Two…..
Where did the phrase “*ill all the lawyers”originate? Seems to apply here.
Shakespeare, I believe.
this is why I say…… Nuke DC.
The Crown of England has had it hooks in this country since they were run out.
Their Agents are the carpetbaggers known as B.A.R. Shysters
British
Accreditation
Registry
You can bet the ones who have been silent (Bush) are deep into many treasonous acts
Clear back to Prescott Bush. That’s a long way back.
We need ICE.
https://townhall.com/columnists/betsymccaughey/2026/02/11/if-ice-is-hamstrung-hold-on-to-your-wallets-n2671137
IF … Law-abiding LEGAL American citizens are prosecuted for breaking the law … why should WeThePeople NOT be able to demand that CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS be prosecuted for breaking America’s Laws ??!!!
I don’t believe the opening statement for a minute.
I call bs on that poll! Plus Hochul needs to go! NY needs ICE now!
A “liberty interest” for successfully breaking the law for a long time? What a farce! Their due process is reserved for the immigration courts. The federal courts have no jurisdiction.
Sunlight IS the best disinfectant.
Thanks for naming names, Sundance.
If the Republican party were a genuine party, representing the interests of its various constituents, this judicial insurrection would be quashed in short order. But I guess I might as well hope for honest elections while I’m at it. 😉
I’ve posted before that the next step will be for Executive nullification. The President will have to decide, like Jackson before him, that now that the courts have ruled, it’s up to them to enforce their rulings. After all, these district judges clearly want to wear the President’s hat, so they can try to mimic presidential power and enforce their own edicts.
And when the President declares, as a co-equal of the judiciary, that one of their edicts, in his judgment, violates the Constitution and he will not enforce it, we can see who has the most divisions, the President or the black robes. Of course, the Uni-party would use it as an opportunity to impeach. Again, may as well wish for honest elections. 😉
J
Cardone sounds like someone from The Godfather
How about people SUE these judges for millions if any of the scum they allowed in, murders and r@pes their loved ones???
Pretty positive Judges are immune. Where is Congress? Where is the Senate? Defund these radicals that refuse to follow higher precedent!
BREAKING: US House Votes to Pass the SAVE Act to Require Voter ID and Proof of Citizenship in Elections – ONLY 1 Dem Votes Yes
https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/breaking-us-house-votes-pass-save-act-require/
The Senate has not yet voted and probably won’t because meh Thune and McConnell and other RINOs.
Fetterman is a senator
And he already said he’s voting yes; he’s fast becoming a thorn in the side of the Uniiparty.
I don’t care what letter is next ot their name as long as they put Americans first, American citizens. And, surprisingly, Fetterman is doing that more so than the Murkowskis and Thunes of the world.
I thought R- Massie voted against.
I knew the house passed it but which Rep Senators are voting no besides Traitor Thune? It only lists yes votes so far.
Murkowski is voting no, which means Collins will vote no, so on and so forth.
Even though a vast majority, over 75% want this bill passed.
It’s not just the Democrats.
So, what will happen?
Liberty interest? What do I earn if I sneak into a foreign country illegally.
I have been in this country my entire life – seven decades. Both my parents were born in this country. I believe both of my maternal grandparents were born in this country.
I am and always have been “law-abiding” (as were all members of my extended family); I have even recently passed several new and updated “background checks”. I have what de facto is a near perfect “social credit score”.
Aside from the biased government [including a federal court in 1908 which decided my kind to be “white” and thus part of “humanity”] and demonrat profilers, I am not “white” (not only do I not believe such racist nonsense, thank God I have no british/scotish elitist genes in me).
Does that lineage / personal history and self identification grant me any range of “liberty interest(s)” ?
If so, what range of “laws” am I permitted to ignore, and for how long ? … Given I have “paid” multiple levels of government for my entire life, what do I now get to “take” ?
Isn’t everyone “equal before the law” ? Why does it seem “illegals”/”enemy aliens” are more equal than me ?
Am I a “slave” that I must pay for “illegals” ?
Are these “judges” just “plantation trustees” or are they now each my “masters” and “misses” ?
You just ruined your social credit score.
De facto; given the demise of “equality” and fiat money [and advent of digital-currencies and blockchain circumvention of 4th Amendment protections], as well the vicious downward spiral the once United States of America are in the throes of, and the usurpation of the Constitution and government (Executive and Legislative branches) by the unelected, entrenched (because of the impotence of Congress (no impeachment necessary – what Congress can “ordain and create” it can “revoke and abolish”)) Article. III. courts and judges …
Seriously, I have been considering and may soon advocate drawing down all available credit facilities and filing a Ch 13 petition. …
Image that would get the DC elites attention – if all “law abiding”, productive citizens just said – “I Quit.” And, then just refused to leave the homes they’ve paid for. … Steal whatever you need or want (but at least make an effort to take only from demonrats).
It seems the Federal Judiciary is engaging in sedition.
ALL Judges
do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me as _______________ [insert office] under the Constitution and laws of the United States; and that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
BS
This Oath they take is the first official Lie which should be grounds for removal and prosecution.
democRATS and judges….destroying America one day at a time, EVERY day.
RINo senators helping, a useless congress refusing to defund judges. SCOTUS needs to step up, now!
“Constitutional Rights” conveyed to non citizens who are in violation of federal law just being here. Criminal judges facilitating a crime
This is subversion. If true and once identified as being implemented, the hammer should fall on these judges.
Failure of the Supreme Court is to blame. They could put an end to this usurpation and overreach. Lets not ever forget congress committee runaround whisky swilling scumbags who basically do nothing but steal our tax dollars, you want to talk about welfare queens.
I just keep praying they do not leave all of this mess for the citizens to take care of, and I’m not talking about voting!
I am beginning to think the majority of young citizens are currently okay with this. I don`t think they see this as affecting them personally. Virtue signaling is all they seem to see.
I suggest that DHS and ICE ignore the rogue judges rulings on Habeas “in a public safely interest,” and keep them incarcerated until deportation. Let those judges appeal it to the 5th Circuit Court.
Is anyone else wondering why they are still observing any laws? Personal views of right and wrong are …personal. Not a legally binding contract between you and your government. Something has been abdicated. If my neighbor is absolved from obeying civil laws, why am I constrained by them?
The government makes the laws and has the sword to enforce said laws. But, those who are supposed to enforce the laws are subverting these same laws. How does this make sense? The republic is falling.
When dear Lord, are some of these people going to swing?
The pendulum has swung as far left as it can!
Can we get evidence of the communication and collaboration of their strategizing to usurp the constitution, their constitutional duty, the rulings of the higher courts, and the will of the American people represented in the suits. As well as defying the constitutional efforts and duties of the CEO of the country , the US president.
This is worse than RICO. Many times worse, many times aggregious.
The we have too few righteous lawyers, too few righteous congressmen, too few faithful government servants, too little wisdom in the average government servant.
A person here illegally doesn’t have constitutional rights.
Leftist Dem judges are open and determined in striving to achieve their goals of thwarting the MAGA agenda and making modern
America incongruous with the principles contained in its founding documents.
Unfortunately, exploiting legal loopholes is a better and more durable strategy than relying upon flawed rulings.
It’s a long fight, and the Dems are zealots. Our warriors must overmatch the opponents in both creativity and determination.
Illegals have constitutional rights?
The Alien Enemies Act (50 USC 23) invocation by President Trump was likely done in order to limit the jurisdiction of what are now Federal District Court Judges in order to avoid their imposing imaginary rights of illegal migrants:
“After any such proclamation has been made, the several courts of the United States, having criminal jurisdiction, and the several justices and judges of the courts of the United States, are authorized and it shall be their duty, upon complaint against any alien enemy resident and at large within such jurisdiction or district, to the danger of the public peace or safety, and contrary to the tenor or intent of such proclamation, or other regulations which the President may have established, to cause such alien to be duly apprehended and conveyed before such court, judge, or justice; and after a full examination and hearing on such complaint, and sufficient cause appearing, to order such alien to be removed out of the territory of the United States, or to give sureties for his good behavior, or to be otherwise restrained, conformably to the proclamation or regulations established as aforesaid, and to imprison, or otherwise secure such alien, until the order which may be so made shall be performed.”
Nicolae Ceaușescu, the last communist leader of Romania, was executed on 25 December 1989 following a summary trial.
The language is clear. What part of “shall be detained” do they not understand?
There are no exceptions. Everybody crossing the border, no matter where or how, is treated the same – as applicants for admission.
So… the Longer you’ve stayed in the US – the Longer you’ve violated the law – the more ‘rights’ you have?
Garbage reasoning.
Sounds like a RICO case in the making. Conspiring to subvert the rule of law.
Roberts could put a stop to this if he had a spine.
The very best part of Trump’s rise is how it has revealed every aspect of our country that hates normal hard working citizens who simply want peace liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It’s staggering how much corruption, evil and hatred abounds in the hearts of so many. It’s not TDS, he’s just the shield, they hate us.
IMO, those judges need to be warned to cease, desist, and obey the law, or they will be removed for cause.
Judges are there to uphold the law, not create new law out of whole cloth based on judicial fiat.
Remember: Bush 43 was open-borders. I bet more than a few of his judges are, too.
Sadly Texas has MANY dark blue areas. El Paso is only one of them. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin are some others.
Before you decide to hang anyone out to dry, look at it from a different perspective. Judges don’t usually want to have bad case law with their name on it, except for the die hard activist types. There is significant case law regarding long-term detention without a hearing being in violation of the 5th amendment. Until the deportation process can be brought up to speed with quick hearings of cause, rather than the extended timelines we are seeing, there will be arguments based on this problem. The system of keeping illegals in country was designed by people versed in lawfare and they made sure to put every legal roadblock up they could. We can’t go violating fundamental rights, no matter how repulsive the way they have been manipulated by the leftists or we open pandora’s box. This will need to be worked through the system properly, or it will establish bad case law for all of eternity.
This is what Grok has to say on it. Seems pretty on-point, but I am not an expert in these areas, so feel free to argue the points.
The primary constitutional arguments against detaining individuals (including non-citizens) who have established roots in the United States without due process center on the Fifth Amendment‘s Due Process Clause, which states that no person shall “be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” This protection applies to all “persons” within U.S. jurisdiction—not just citizens—and courts have repeatedly affirmed it extends to non-citizens physically present in the country.
Key arguments include:
These arguments draw heavily from landmark cases like Zadvydas v. Davis, Landon v. Plasencia (1982), and United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez (1990), as well as ongoing affirmations that due process extends to non-citizens with meaningful U.S. connections. While the government retains significant immigration authority, courts have consistently held that it cannot override fundamental liberty protections for those integrated into American life without fair procedures. Recent developments (including some circuit-level rulings and dissents) continue to highlight tensions, but the core principle remains: established roots heighten the constitutional demand for due process before prolonged liberty deprivation.
Once it is fraud, that ends all protection under our constitution.
The illegals have committed fraud by being here.
You can not convey rights upon an individual who has fraudulently set up domicile in the United States.
Just think of all the fraud they have perpetrated upon the Citizens of this Country.
Any government assistance equals fraud
Working here with out a work permit or green card equals fraud.
The list goes on and on.
You miss the part where they already had their hearings. They have orders for final removal issued days, weeks, months, years, even decades earlier. Those final orders don’t expire.
Nobody is above the law. Arrest the judges for interfering with law enforcement.
Perhaps what our nation needs is a court case that answers these questions:
When does a non citizen gain the covering of the American Constitutional Bill of Rights?
Is the Bill of Rights the same as “human rights?”
Is there any legal distinction between natural born citizens and persons who walk across the border illegally or overstay their visa?
Does the US Constitution apply to persons living in France? This helps us to understand the Judges’ definition of any person who lives under the covering of the Constitution.
It is very sad that the definitions are being changed because we are tolerating it.
They are fraudulently in this country.
They have no rights except for deportation
Find me a neutral judge in that matter and I’ll let them review. Otherwise F off, cuz there ain’t.
It is not judicial activism, it’s judicial insurrection and it is the most dangerous political trend today. The courts need to be pulled up short. Impeachment is a paper tiger, the Supreme Court is flaccid so it comes down to the executive branch. 8US Code 1324 will do for immigration but 18 US Code 241 is general purpose and will do for wholesale violations or rights in other areas, like gun laws. And quit trying to indict them in places like DC and NY.