Records Reveal Federal Judge Who Blocked Trump Immigration Policy Was Active in Democrat Politics: Report

A federal judge's recent decision to stop former President Donald Trump’s effort to dismantle a Biden-era immigration parole program is facing heightened scrutiny—not only due to the legal implications but also because of the judge's political history and links to a controversial group with alleged connections to communist China.

Judge Indira Talwani, appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts by President Barack Obama in 2013, issued a ruling that prevents the Trump administration from ending the CHNV program. The policy offers temporary legal status to over 500,000 individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Amid backlash from conservatives, newly uncovered records are drawing attention to Talwani’s political affiliations, sparking additional concerns.

Documents reveal that Talwani volunteered for no fewer than four Democratic political campaigns, including efforts for Deval Patrick, Barack Obama, Martha Coakley, and Elizabeth Warren. Her involvement reportedly included “holding signs, door-knocking, and phone banking,” with particular emphasis on backing Obama’s 2008 presidential run and Warren’s 2012 Senate campaign.

Natalie Winters of The National Pulse, speaking on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, highlighted that the Chinese Progressive Association (CPA) “has deep ties to the CCP.” The organization was founded by individuals with known Maoist leanings, including co-founder Fay Wong, who once called China’s communist revolution “very inspiring.”

These connections have resurfaced as Judge Talwani faces renewed examination over her prior association with the CPA. The group has been noted for its favorable view of the Chinese Communist Party, raising concerns among critics.

In 2012—just a year prior to her nomination to the bench—Talwani received the CPA’s “Workers Justice Award,” an accolade she still lists among her professional accomplishments.

In a 41-page ruling released Monday, Talwani put a halt to the Trump team’s attempt to dismantle the CHNV program. This parole program, introduced under the Biden administration, allows qualifying nationals from the specified countries to remain in the U.S. for up to two years, contingent on background checks and a U.S.-based sponsor.

“If their parole status is allowed to lapse, Plaintiffs will be faced with two unfavorable options: continue following the law and leave the country on their own, or await removal proceedings,” Talwani wrote. “For some Plaintiffs, leaving will also cause family separation.”

Talwani has often issued rulings aligned with progressive positions, particularly concerning immigration and labor. Her political activity, especially her role in Democratic campaigns, has only intensified claims from Trump supporters who argue the judiciary is increasingly politicized.

At the same time, the Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has begun rolling back other Biden-era immigration measures. This includes ending Temporary Protected Status for nationals from regions such as Afghanistan and Cameroon.

Elsewhere, former President Trump on Tuesday applauded El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele following his official visit to the U.S. the previous day. Trump cited Bukele’s efforts to combat gang violence, pointing to the construction of “ultra-modern, high-security prisons” like the CECOT facility, which currently houses deported MS-13 gang members.

During an interview with Fox News’ Rachel Campos-Duffy—spouse of former Fox host and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—Trump appeared to suggest that his administration was exploring the possibility of using facilities in El Salvador to detain violent “homegrown” criminals from within the U.S.

“We are using [President Bukele’s] system because we’re getting rid of our criminals out of the United States,” Trump told Campos-Duffy.

Campos-Duffy then asked: “Could we use it for our own violent criminals?”

“I call them homegrown criminals… We are looking into it, and we want to do it,” Trump responded.