Judge blocks Trump asylum ban at U.S.-Mexico border

REUTERS/JOSE LUIS GONZALEZ/FILE PHOTO

A migrant child from Haiti, who is travelling with his family who previously requested asylum through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One application, waits as he attends his appointment at the Paso del Norte International border bridge in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in November 2024. A federal judge today blocked President Donald Trump’s asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying Trump exceeded his authority when he issued a proclamation declaring illegal immigration an emergency and setting aside existing legal processes.

WASHINGTON >> A federal judge today blocked President Donald Trump’s asylum ban at the U.S.-Mexico border, saying Trump exceeded his authority when he issued a proclamation declaring illegal immigration an emergency and setting aside existing legal processes.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss said in a 128-page opinion that Trump’s January 20 proclamation blocking all migrants “engaged in the invasion across the southern border” from claiming asylum or other humanitarian protections went beyond his executive power.

The ruling is a setback for Trump, a Republican who recaptured the White House promising a vast immigration crackdown. Since Trump took office, the number of migrants caught crossing illegally has plummeted to record lows.

The American Civil Liberties Union brought the challenge to Trump’s asylum ban in February, arguing it violated U.S. laws and international treaties.

Trump’s border restrictions went beyond a similar ban put in place by former President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in 2024. Key parts of the Biden ban were blocked by a separate federal judge in May in a lawsuit also led by the ACLU.

Moss said he would stay the effective date of his order for 14 days to allow the Trump administration to appeal.

Don't miss out on what's happening!

Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!

Email Sign Up
By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.

See more:National newsPolitics

10 Comments
By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.
Please log in to comment