A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that barred migrants at the U.S.–Mexico border from applying for asylum. In a 128-page decision issued late Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled that the Jan. 20 proclamation—under which the White House declared an “invasion” and suspended asylum and other humanitarian protections—overstepped presidential authority granted by the Constitution and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Moss wrote that neither statute nor precedent permits the president to create an “extra-statutory, extra-regulatory regime” for repatriating or removing individuals without giving them an opportunity to seek asylum. The case was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and several immigrant-rights groups on behalf of 13 asylum seekers, who argued the policy violated U.S. law and international obligations.
The judge stayed his injunction for 14 days—until July 16—to allow the administration to appeal. A White House spokesperson said an appeal is forthcoming, calling the ruling a threat to national sovereignty. If the decision stands, it would dismantle a signature element of Trump’s effort to curb migration during his second term.
The ruling arrives amid historically low apprehension numbers along the southern border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported 6,070 arrests in June, a 30 percent drop from May and the lowest monthly total since 1966, figures the administration has cited as evidence its broader enforcement strategy is working.
Obama-appointed judge blocks Trump's order to curb asylum and protection claims for illegal immigrants
👉 The ruling deals a major blow to the president, who is seeking to further bolster his broad anti-immigration offensive
A US federal judge on Wednesday ruled that US President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when he signed an executive order in January that barred all migrants at the US-Mexico border
A federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump doesn't have the authority to turn back asylum seekers at the border via a proclamation that migrants are invading the country.
