A federal appeals court has ruled against the Trump administration's expansion of mandatory detention for immigrants, deciding that detained migrants inside the United States must be given a chance for release on bond.

On Thursday, July 30th 2026, the San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals issued the decision in a 2-1 vote, with a judge appointed by President Donald Trump joining the majority. This ruling deepens a split among federal appeals courts regarding the administration's mandatory detention policy. While four other appeals courts have rejected the policy, the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans and the Eighth Circuit in St Louis have sided with the Trump administration.

The US Department of Homeland Security expressed strong disagreement with the Ninth Circuit's ruling, stating it is confident in its legal position on mandatory detention. The department said, “President Donald Trump and Secretary [Markwayne] Mullin are now enforcing the law as it was actually written to keep America safe.”

The Trump administration has argued that a 1996 change in immigration law by Congress allows for mandatory detention beyond the border, a provision not enforced by previous administrations.

Separately, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has extended its lease on a Texas detention center where three migrants died. Additionally, Mexico has initiated legal action in the US over the deaths of its citizens in ICE custody.

Sources