Federal Judge Greenlights Trump-Era Immigrant Registry, Prompting Outrage from Civil Rights Advocates

A federal judge ruled Thursday that the Trump administration can proceed with a contentious policy requiring undocumented immigrants to register with the federal government — a decision that has sparked widespread condemnation from civil rights and immigrant advocacy groups.

The policy, introduced in January under Executive Order 14159, mandates that all undocumented immigrants aged 14 and older must register through an online portal operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Registrants must provide personal details including their home address and biometric data. Those who fail to register risk fines of up to $5,000 or jail time of up to six months.

Critics say the rule bears troubling resemblance to discriminatory government practices from the past and could lead to increased fear, profiling, and deportation among immigrant communities.

“This policy marks a dangerous move toward mass surveillance and criminalization of immigrants,” said Heidi Altman, policy director at the National Immigration Law Center. “It’s not about public safety—it’s about control and exclusion.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) echoed those concerns, calling the registry “deeply unconstitutional.” ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero warned the information collected could be weaponized for mass deportations. “Forcing individuals to self-identify under threat of punishment is a recipe for abuse of power,” he said.

The Trump administration has defended the measure, citing provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that allow for federal registration requirements. Homeland Security officials argue the policy will help strengthen national security and track individuals who have overstayed visas or entered the country without authorization.

“Those living in the U.S. without legal status must be accountable under the law,” said DHS Secretary Chad Wolf. “This is not about targeting—it’s about enforcement.”

But immigrant rights groups say the impact will be far-reaching and fear-inducing, particularly for families and communities with deep roots in the United States.

“The fear is already here,” said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. “People are afraid to go to school, buy groceries, or attend church. These are the kinds of tactics used in authoritarian regimes, not democracies.”

Organizations such as United We Dream and the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) have vowed to challenge the policy in court and are urging undocumented individuals to seek legal advice before registering.

The judge’s decision did not address the constitutionality of the registry itself, instead ruling that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to stop the policy’s rollout at this time.

With the policy set to move forward, legal experts and advocates say the fight is far from over.

“We’re prepared to challenge this in court and in the streets,” said Lorella Praeli, co-president of Community Change. “Our communities are watching—and we’re not backing down.”