Legal Week in Review
Ben Cable (Originally Posted on Substack)
This past week saw a slew of court rulings, most of them hammering the Trump administration. From ICE raids and Planned Parenthood to press freedoms and immigrant protections, the courts have begun to push back loudly. Here is a breakdown—plain English, no legalese—of the biggest courtroom wins and losses for the administration over this week.
Trump Admin WINS, Americans LOSE
1. Medical Debt Stays on Credit Reports
- Where: U.S. District Court, Texas
- What happened: A Trump-appointed judge overturned a Biden-era rule that would have removed medical debt from your credit score.
- Why it matters: Keeps millions burdened by medical bills from improving their credit.
2. Green Light for Mass Federal Layoffs
- Where: U.S. Supreme Court
- What happened: Trump can now fire thousands of federal workers, thanks to a 6-3 decision overturning a lower court block.
- Why it matters: It clears the path for a partisan reshaping of government agencies.
Trump LOSSES
1. Press Freedoms Upheld in L.A.
- Where: U.S. District Court, Central California
- What happened: Judge Hernán Vera ordered LAPD to stop detaining or shooting “less-lethal rounds” at journalists covering protests.
- Why it matters: Reasserts press freedoms amid growing crackdowns.
2. ICE Raids Based on ‘How You Look’ Blocked
- Where: U.S. District Court, Central California
- What happened: Judge Maame Frimpong issued a temporary restraining order: ICE can’t arrest people based on how they look, talk, or their job.
- Why it matters: Protects fundamental rights under the 4th Amendment.
- Bonus ruling: Detainees must have free, confidential calls with lawyers.
3. Planned Parenthood Defunding Blocked (For Now)
- Where: Massachusetts
- What happened: A federal judge blocked enforcement of a defunding measure, citing disruption to patient care.
- Why it matters: Keeps clinics running—at least until July 21.
4. Passport Gender Restrictions Still Blocked
- Where: Federal Court
- What happened: The Judge denied Trump’s DOJ request to reinstate passport restrictions for transgender and nonbinary individuals.
- Why it matters: Affirms identity rights and dignity.
5. Birthright Citizenship Order Halted
- Where: New Hampshire
- What happened: Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship for U.S.-born children of immigrants was blocked nationwide.
- Why it matters: Preserves 14th Amendment protections—for now.
6. Abrego Garcia Case – ICE Caught in Courtroom Lie
- Where: Maryland
- What happened: Judge Paula Xinis called out ICE for misleading the court and failing to say where they planned to deport Abrego Garcia.
- Why it matters: A federal judge declared she could “no longer presume” the Trump administration is acting in good faith.
7. Immigrant Dies After ICE Raid at Marijuana Farm
- Where: California
- What happened: A man fell from a building during an ICE operation and later died, raising new concerns about excessive force.
- Why it matters: Escalating human cost of ICE raids under Trump 2.0.
FINAL WORD
This week has shown that while Trump’s team scores some wins in conservative courts, the broader judiciary is increasingly skeptical and vocal about what it sees as constitutional violations, human rights abuses, and political overreach.
📢 As Judge Paula Xinis bluntly put it:
“The government is saying ‘f*** you’ to the courts over and over again, and the courts seem to be getting the message.”
Now the question is: will Congress, voters, and international observers respond before more damage is done?
