Caribbean immigration advocates have welcomed a United States court ruling that strengthens the rights of immigrants held in detention.

The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that immigration officials must give detained immigrants a bond hearing within 90 days. Judges said officials cannot hold people for long periods without allowing them to appear before a court. The decision blocks an effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to deny many immigrants that opportunity.

The ruling applies to detention centres in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Those three states hold some of the largest immigrant detention populations in the country. Officials must now explain why they want to keep someone in detention instead of asking a judge to review the case.

The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) praised the decision. The organisation represents more than 200 immigration and refugee groups across New York State.

According to NYIC President and Chief Executive Officer Murad Awawdeh, the ruling protects the constitutional right to due process. He said thousands of immigrants have spent long periods in detention without a fair chance to request release before a judge.

Awawdeh said every person deserves dignity and fair treatment. He added that everyone should have the chance to present their case in court, no matter where they were born.

He also praised the court for holding the government accountable. In his view, officials cannot take away a person’s freedom without following the law.

The immigration advocate criticised efforts to expand detention. He said the government has spent billions of taxpayer dollars while many immigrant families remain separated. He described the ruling as an important reminder that the US Constitution protects everyone.

Awawdeh also said immigrants have the legal right to request a bond hearing. He urged the government to respect those rights and keep families together whenever possible.

The decision could affect thousands of immigration cases across the three states. Immigration advocates believe it will help more detainees seek release while their cases continue in court. They also say the ruling strengthens legal protections for Caribbean nationals and other immigrants living in the United States.