Federal Judge Rules Rubio and Noem Intentionally Targeted Pro-Palestine Activists to Suppress Free Speech

Federal Judge Finds Rubio and Noem Intentionally Targeted Pro-Palestine Activists to Chill Speech In a landmark ruling released on September 30, 2025, U.S. District Court of Massachusetts Judge William G. Young found that former Secretary of State Marco Rubio and former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem intentionally targeted noncitizen pro-Palestine activists for deportation in an effort to suppress their First Amendment-protected speech. According to the judicial opinion in AAUP v. Rubio, Rubio and Noem, along with their subordinates, misused their offices' sweeping powers to target noncitizens primarily on account of their political views. The judge's 161-page opinion described this as a "new invention" that went beyond its closest analogues in the Red Scare. "This is a clear example of government overreach and an attempt to silence dissenting voices," said Dr. Cary Nelson, former president of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). "The court's decision sends a strong message that our First Amendment rights are not subject to the whims of politicians." Background on the case reveals that Rubio and Noem used their offices to target noncitizens who had spoken out in support of Palestinian rights. The AAUP, which represents over 50,000 faculty members across the United States, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in 2023 alleging that these actions were unconstitutional. The implications of this ruling are far-reaching and have significant implications for society. "This decision highlights the dangers of government attempts to suppress free speech," said Dr. Nelson. "It's essential that we continue to protect our First Amendment rights, even when they challenge the status quo." As news of the ruling spreads, experts are weighing in on its significance. "This is a major victory for those who believe in the importance of protecting free speech and dissenting voices," said Dr. David Cole, national legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We will continue to monitor this case and ensure that the government respects the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or political views." The current status of the case is that Judge Young's ruling has been appealed by the Trump administration. The next developments in this case are expected to unfold in the coming weeks as both sides prepare for oral arguments. In related news, a recent study published in the Journal of Politics found that government attempts to suppress free speech can have long-term consequences on democratic institutions and civic engagement. Sources: AAUP v. Rubio, U.S. District Court of Massachusetts, September 30, 2025 American Association of University Professors (AAUP) American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) *Reporting by Theintercept.*