Archive · 10 Oct 2026
US Judge Blocks Trump Policy on Detained Immigrants’ Applications
The government had stopped collecting fingerprints and photos from many detained immigrants who were applying for legal protections.
These checks are needed for many applications.
A federal judge said the government had not properly explained why it stopped collecting them.
He temporarily blocked the policy across the country.
The earlier process for collecting this information will return while the lawsuit continues.
The government says the policy was meant to discourage frivolous claims and make operations more consistent.
The judge questioned whether stopping the checks would accomplish that.
The ruling does not give applicants visas or release them from detention.
Judge Amir H. Ali blocked nationwide a December 2025 policy that stopped routine biometric collection from many detained immigrants with pending applications.
The policy affected applications for permanent residency, certain visas and humanitarian protection, including applications by unaccompanied children.
The judge said the Department of Homeland Security had not adequately explained the change and found the challengers likely to show it was arbitrary and capricious.
The order restores the earlier biometric-collection process while a class-action lawsuit continues.
The ruling does not grant immigration status or require the release of detained applicants.
- Who
- Six detained immigrants challenged the policy; US District Judge Amir H. Ali ruled on their lawsuit.
- What
- The judge blocked the policy and restored the earlier biometric-collection process for affected applicants.
- When
- The policy was introduced in December 2025; the judge issued the order on Wednesday, and the lawsuit was filed in April.
- Where
- The order applies nationwide in the United States.
- Why
- The judge found that the Department of Homeland Security had not adequately explained its decision to stop collecting biometrics.
Judge and challengers
Department of Homeland Security
Purpose and effect of the policy
Judge and challengers
The judge said the government had not adequately explained the change and that it could effectively deny immigration relief to people regardless of eligibility.
Department of Homeland Security
USCIS said the policy was intended to deter frivolous claims and provide operational consistency.
Role of biometric checks
Judge and challengers
The judge said fingerprints and other biometric information help officials assess whether applicants qualify for benefits.
Department of Homeland Security
The administration removed ICE’s role in helping detained applicants complete biometric requirements while retaining rules that allowed USCIS to deny applications for missed appointments.
- Policy introduced
- December 2025
- Lawsuit filed
- April
- Plaintiffs
- Six detained immigrants
- Scope of order
- Nationwide
- Biometric information
- Fingerprints, photographs and other identifying information
- Effect of ruling
- Restores the previous collection process while the legal challenge continues
- What ruling does not do
- It does not automatically grant immigration benefits or require release from detention.