A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian nationals, preserving deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of migrants. The decision comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the Supreme Court's recent ruling that narrowed lower courts' authority to review such decisions.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy of the District of Massachusetts issued an administrative stay in African Communities Together v. Mullin, halting the termination of TPS for Ethiopians. The ruling allows time for the court to evaluate the case's merits following the Supreme Court's June decision in Mullin v. Doe, which limited judicial review of TPS terminations.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) criticized the ruling, with General Counsel James Percival calling it "mutiny against the Supreme Court." The Biden administration had previously extended TPS for Ethiopia due to armed conflict and extraordinary conditions.
Deeper Dive & Context
Supreme Court Ruling and Legal Precedent
In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that federal law bars judicial review of certain legal arguments against TPS terminations. The ruling significantly narrowed lower courts' ability to block DHS decisions on TPS designations.
DHS Response and Criticism
DHS officials accused Judge Murphy of defying the Supreme Court's authority, citing his May 2025 order that halted a deportation flight to South Sudan. The agency claimed the ruling left ICE officers stranded in Djibouti, where they faced malaria exposure and threats from terrorist groups in Yemen.
TPS Program Background
TPS allows foreign nationals to temporarily live and work in the U.S. if their home country faces armed conflicts, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. The program does not offer a direct path to permanent residency or citizenship. Ethiopia's TPS designation was granted in December 2022 and extended in April 2024 under the Biden administration.
Political and Policy Implications
The Trump administration sought to roll back TPS designations, arguing the system had been exploited. The Biden administration expanded the program to cover migrants from multiple countries. The latest ruling highlights the ongoing legal and political battles over immigration policy.
Long-Term Implications
The case could set a precedent for future TPS disputes, particularly as lower courts navigate the Supreme Court's recent ruling. The outcome may influence how DHS and federal judges handle similar cases involving other countries.