A federal appeals court handed the Trump administration a major immigration victory Tuesday, ruling that officials can move forward with an expanded fast-track deportation policy aimed at speeding up the removal of illegal immigrants across the country.
In a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit overturned a lower court ruling that had blocked the Department of Homeland Security from broadening the use of “expedited removal,” a process that allows certain migrants to be deported without appearing before an immigration judge.
The Trump administration expanded the policy shortly after taking office in January 2025, allowing immigration authorities nationwide to place illegal immigrants into expedited removal proceedings if they cannot prove they have continuously lived in the United States for at least two years.
The policy was challenged by immigrant advocacy group Make the Road New York, which argued the expansion increased the risk that people with valid claims to remain in the country could be wrongfully deported. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb sided with the group last year and blocked the policy from taking effect nationwide.
Tuesday’s ruling reversed that decision.
Writing for the majority, Judge Justin Walker concluded that federal immigration law gives the executive branch broad authority to determine when and where expedited removal can be used. The ruling allows the administration to implement the policy while the legal challenge continues.
The decision marks another courtroom win for President Donald Trump as his administration pursues a tougher immigration enforcement agenda centered on increased deportations and stricter border security measures.
Supporters of expedited removal argue the process helps immigration authorities quickly remove people who are unlawfully in the country. Critics contend the policy can deprive migrants of due process and increase the risk of erroneous deportations.
Make the Road New York has not indicated whether it plans to seek further review of the ruling.
