A federal judge on Wednesday blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order that barred migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border from seeking asylum, ruling that Trump had exceeded his constitutional authority.
In a 128-page opinion, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled that Trump’s Jan. 20 proclamation — which labeled illegal immigration at the southern border an “invasion” — violated legal procedures by banning all migrants from claiming asylum or other humanitarian protections.
The ruling is a legal setback for Trump, who regained the presidency vowing tough immigration enforcement. While illegal border crossings have dropped under his leadership, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit in February, calling the ban unlawful and contrary to international treaties.
Trump’s measure was broader than the 2024 asylum restrictions introduced by President Joe Biden, parts of which were also blocked in May by another federal judge.
Judge Moss stayed the order for 14 days to allow time for the Trump administration to file an appeal.
