SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Highlighting First Amendment protections, a federal judge in California determined that the U.S. government cannot constitutionally suppress critics of Israel's actions in Gaza or related viewpoints through the Trump administration's push to remove noncitizens accused of campus disruptions tied to their expressions.

Judge Noël Wise delivered the Friday ruling as a win for The Stanford Daily, the student publication at Stanford University, noting that some international students had hesitated to voice opinions over concerns about deportation.

"Freedom of speech loses meaning if it applies only when views align with those of the government and its officials," the judge stated.

The outcome builds on a prior ruling from nearly a year earlier by a U.S. district judge in Boston, who found the Trump administration breached constitutional standards by focusing deportation actions on noncitizens solely for backing Palestinians and opposing Israel.

Wise emphasized that speech and press freedoms form "core elements of America's lasting democracy." The judge identified issues with free speech protections and vague language that infringe on the First and Fifth Amendments while invalidating parts of the deportation guidelines used by federal authorities.

Wise referenced actions in March 2025 by immigration officials against individuals who spoke in support of Palestinians and against Israel's conduct - described by increasing numbers of specialists, including those appointed by a U.N. body, as genocide. The judge also noted measures against those who criticized Charlie Kirk following the assassination of the Turning Point USA co-founder last September.

"In the near future, possibly even today, targets could encompass anyone in the United States who uses free speech to share opinions the government dislikes," the San Jose judge observed.

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"This pattern runs counter to our Constitution, which upholds the right to open expression," she continued. "One can reject the substance of someone's words while valuing the nation that protects the liberty to voice them. Strong defense of our Constitutional free speech right powerfully shows the country's confidence without fear."

The Justice Department offered no response Saturday to requests for comment on the outcome.

George Porteous, editor-in-chief of The Stanford Daily, reacted on X by noting: "Our newsroom reporters should not face deportation risks simply for writing stories. This win ensures they will not."

Conor Fitzpatrick, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression that filed the case, welcomed the decision.

"Free speech in America extends beyond statements the government endorses," Fitzpatrick stated in a release.

In the ruling, Wise observed that the government's approach had influenced college environments.

"The government sent a clear deterrent on protected expression - oppose Israel or back Palestinians and face visa revocation and removal. Comply. Noncitizen students received and followed the signal. As the saying goes, the resulting quiet is striking," the judge wrote.

At The Stanford Daily, lawfully present noncitizens on staff have resigned, held back pieces, declined tasks, requested removals of articles, and sought anonymity over worries about immigration fallout, Wise pointed out.

She affirmed that noncitizens hold the same First Amendment rights as citizens yet faced uncertainty about shifting U.S. foreign policy positions on various topics.

"Such an approach defies clear understanding," she said. "Although the Court recognizes the broad authority granted to the government in foreign policy and immigration areas, that authority must still allow ordinary individuals to grasp what the law allows and forbids."

Wise concluded: "Our Constitutional free speech right ensures individuals can convey - via words, conduct, or gatherings - perspectives that may offend, ideas that contradict common political standards, or positions that question the nation's internal or external policies, military involvement, or conflicts."

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