Appeals Court Upholds Trump Administration’s Mandatory Detention of Noncitizens

This is the second time an appellate court has upheld the policy.

The United States border wall seen from outside San Diego, on Jan. 20, 2026. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Federal appeals court judges on March 25 backed a Trump administration policy that requires detention for illegal immigrants inside the country—the second time an appellate court has upheld the policy.

Federal law says the government shall detain illegal aliens who are seeking admission into the country and “not clearly and beyond a doubt entitled to be admitted.” The Trump administration has been enforcing that law on illegal immigrants encountered inside the United States, and holding them without bond during deportation proceedings.