Judge Patti B. Saris

Rule Changes

Presiding over New England class action; First Circuit upheld her ruling in July 2026

Eight federal appeals courts have rejected the Trump administration's policy of holding immigrants without bond hearings, most recently the Third Circuit on August 28. The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court in June to resolve the split; only the 8th Circuit now sides with the government.

Updated Aug 29

Rule Changes

Ruled Trump’s broad halt on new wind approvals unlawful

Trump promised to "unleash American energy." A federal judge disagreed: in April 2026, Chief Judge Denise Casper blocked five Interior Department policies that had frozen wind and solar permits nationwide, including Secretary Doug Burgum's rule requiring his personal sign-off on every renewable decision.

Updated Aug 8