A federal judge in Boston on Friday refused to continue a restraining order that banned the detention or removal of those legally authorized to enter the U.S.
U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel Gordon’s decision is the first legal victory for the White House on the issue since President Trump took executive action on immigration last Friday, temporarily suspending immigration from seven Middle Eastern and North African countries.
The restraining order was put into effect by U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs and U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Dein on Sunday and is set to expire on Feb. 5. It had only affected Massachusetts, but prompted judges in other states to ban the removal of legal permanent residents.
Currently, four state attorneys general are suing the Trump administration for its recent actions toward Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The administration recently issued a clarification to the travel order, allowing some citizens from the countries, including green-card holders, to enter the U.S. in certain circumstances.
Gordon’s ruling states the claims brought by legal permanent residents are now moot due to the White House’s change to the travel ban.
A federal judge in Seattle on Friday ordered a temporary nationwide restraining order to halt Trump’s order. U.S. District Judge James Robart ruled in favor of a lawsuit by Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who is taking action on certain provisions in the week-old executive action. Robart’s restraining order is granted on a national level and will take effect immediately, according to multiple reports.
