Federal judges are pushing back against the Trump administration by issuing orders that disrupt several actions, including the deportation of Mohamed Soliman’s family, who are facing hate crime allegations after recent fire attacks in Colorado.
A statement made by White House press chief Caroline Leavitt highlighted that “President Trump had more injunctions in February than Joe Biden has in three years.” The judges, some appointed during the Biden administration, are noted for blocking President Trump’s enforcement rights, particularly in liberal districts across the nation.
This week alone, there are seven instances in which federal judges have opposed the Trump administration’s actions.
Deportation of Boulder attack family blocked
A federal judge appointed by Biden, in Colorado, has paused the deportation of Mohamed Soliman, an Egyptian citizen, along with his five children, who are under investigation for a fire bombing attack in Boulder. The temporary restraining order issued by US District Judge Gordon P. Gallagher has prevented immigration authorities from removing Soliman’s wife, Heim El Gamal, and their children from the country—at least for now.
The ruling will be in effect until a hearing scheduled for June 13, as El Gamal’s friend, Susanna Dvortsin, sought emergency legal protection for the family, claiming imminent deportation without a chance to present their case in court. Reports suggest that although El Gamal and her children are on valid visas, Soliman already submitted an asylum application.
Legal challenges for the Trump administration
A federal judge also authorized a request from Salvadoran immigrant Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s legal team to seek sanctions against the Trump administration. A ruling from Judge Paula Sinis could potentially empower plaintiffs to pursue further penalties against the administration if malicious actions or non-compliance with court orders are confirmed. The Supreme Court has instructed the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return to the United States.
Injunction against federal funding withdrawal
A provisional injunction was granted to Denver and other local governments against the Trump administration’s attempt to withhold federal funds. These cities had filed a lawsuit claiming that the administration’s threats to cut an estimated $4 billion in federal grants exceeded its authority and were politically motivated.
The judge acknowledged potential harm from violating the separation of powers and the risk involved in cutting funding.
Funding for AmeriCorps reinstated
A federal judge has ordered the restoration of millions in grant funding for AmeriCorps and the rehiring of thousands of employees, ruling that the administration’s dismantling of the organization constituted a violation of federal law. Judge Deborah Boardman determined it necessary to reinstate many employees across 24 states and Washington, D.C.
Blocking attempts to close Job Corps centers
A ruling was issued to halt the Trump administration from closing Employment Corps Centers across the nation while the National Job Corps Association brought forth allegations of wrongful closures affecting 99 campuses. Job Corps, established by Congress in 1964, aims to assist disadvantaged youth in gaining education and occupational certifications.
The Labor Department had justified the suspension by citing cost-effectiveness and low graduation rates, alongside incidents of violence and drug use within recruitment centers.
Order against ICE regarding transgender immigrants
A federal judge in Oregon has mandated that US immigration authorities refrain from removing a transgender asylum seeker from a detention facility. The individual, identified as “OJM,” had been transferred to Tacoma, Washington, after an arrest outside a Portland court.
Columbia student protection order
A new order has prevented ICE from detaining 21-year-old Columbia University student Yoon Zeo Chung, whom the Trump administration has sought to deport after her participation in an anti-Israel protest. Reports have indicated that federal agents had attempted to arrest Chung earlier but were unsuccessful.
This situation has been seen as a victory for those advocating for freedom of speech and legal rights in response to government actions.
