Judge Ana Reyes Denies Government Bid to Stay Haitian TPS Ruling – Protections Hold Firm Amid Threats and Appeals

D.C. federal judge stands ground on February 2 order blocking TPS termination for over 300,000 Haitians, condemns violent threats against her

 U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes today firmly denied the Trump administration’s motion to stay her February 2 ruling that paused the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti.

The decision keeps legal protections — including work authorization and deportation relief — in place for more than 300,000 Haitian nationals while the class-action lawsuit Miot v. Trump continues. The TPS designation was originally set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on February 3.

During a brief but pointed hearing, Judge Reyes stated clearly: “I am denying the government’s motion to stay.”

She committed to issuing a written order promptly so the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals can review the government’s appeal. The appellate court has set a February 19 deadline for DHS briefs, with a ruling expected soon after. The administration could still seek emergency relief from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Reyes sharply questioned government lawyers on their claim of “irreparable harm,” reiterating that her original block was based on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s failure to properly consult required agencies, as mandated by law, and on the arbitrary and capricious nature of the termination decision given Haiti’s ongoing humanitarian and security crisis.

Judge Addresses Threats and Attacks

In a powerful post-ruling statement, Judge Reyes directly confronted the wave of personal attacks, death threats, and online harassment directed at her following the February 2 order.

She confirmed that her own immigrant background — born in Uruguay and arriving in the United States as a child — was fully disclosed, vetted, and approved during her nomination and Senate confirmation process under President Biden, including reviews by the White House, FBI, and Senate Judiciary Committee.

Reading aloud examples of the threats she has received, including an email wishing she would “die today” and “enjoy choking on your tongue,” Reyes condemned the violent rhetoric and social media calls for harm against judges. She dismissed baseless personal attacks (such as accusations of being “illiterate” despite her magna cum laude Harvard Law degree and decades of high-profile federal litigation experience) and affirmed:

“We will not be intimidated.”

She welcomed legitimate appellate review as part of the democratic process, but made clear that threats cross a dangerous line.

What This Means for Haitian TPS Holders

The ruling provides immediate and continuing relief to Haitian TPS beneficiaries, many of whom have lived and worked legally in the U.S. for over a decade. They retain protection from deportation and maintain valid Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) while litigation proceeds.

The administration has already appealed both to Judge Reyes for reconsideration and directly to the D.C. Circuit. A potential Supreme Court emergency application remains possible.

Immigrant rights organizations have hailed the decision as a critical safeguard, while urging continued vigilance. Haitian community leaders in Florida, New York, Massachusetts, and beyond have expressed relief but stress that the legal fight is far from over.

L’Union Suite will monitor the D.C. Circuit appeal, any Supreme Court involvement, and updates from DHS/USCIS. Haitian TPS holders should consult accredited immigration attorneys or trusted organizations for personalized guidance during this uncertain period.

Solidarity and strength to the Haitian community. We remain vigilant.