New Jersey Supreme Court Upholds Public Defender’s Counsel in Deportation Case Despite Client’s Misrepresentation of Citizenship

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a deportation following a guilty plea does not automatically indicate ineffective assistance of counsel, even when a public defender relies on a client’s false claim of U.S. citizenship. In a 5-2 decision, the state’s highest court overturned a prior ruling from a lower court which had determined that public defender Carol Wentworth failed in her duties by not investigating Juan C. Hernandez-Peralta’s immigration status prior to sentencing. Hernandez-Peralta had pleaded guilty in 2019 to charges of burglary and robbery, which subsequently led to … Read more

Judge Weighs Evidence in Landmark Case Challenging Trump Administration’s Alleged “Ideological Deportation” of Noncitizen Scholars

BOSTON — A lawsuit spearheaded by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) against the Trump administration’s immigration policies reached a crucial phase on Monday as closing arguments were presented. With the judge now tasked with reviewing the trial’s evidence, including numerous sealed documents, a final ruling is anticipated in the coming weeks. The case, which originated in April, alleges that the federal government specifically targeted noncitizen students and faculty members for arrest and deportation in retaliation for their pro-Palestinian views, an action the AAUP contends is a violation of the First Amendment. The organization … Read more

Court Acknowledges Serious Claims of Legal Incompetence, Protects Rights of Vulnerable Applicant Facing Deportation

Toronto, Canada — A recent court ruling has shed light on legal proceedings involving an applicant challenging a decision related to their Permanent Resident Risk Assessment (PRRA). Central to the case was the alleged incompetence of the applicant’s former attorney, which the court deemed as a significant issue warranting further examination. The allegations regarding the former lawyer’s lack of competence were deemed serious enough by the court to merit consideration. The ruling emphasized that the applicant should be allowed to present risks associated with their circumstances in Nigeria during the PRRA review. This acknowledgment underlines … Read more

Judge Evaluates Potential Release of Abrego Garcia Amid Deportation Concerns

A Baltimore judge is set to evaluate whether to release Abrego Garcia, who may face deportation as a result. The hearing is pivotal for Garcia, who has been detained since his arrest last year. The potential implications of this decision are significant, not only for Garcia but also for immigration policy within the state. Garcia, originally from El Salvador, was brought to the United States as a minor. His life in Baltimore has been marked by community ties and a commitment to providing for his family. Friends and supporters have gathered to advocate for his … Read more