Judge Blocks Trump's Controversial Asylum Ban

A federal judge has halted President Donald Trump's efforts to ban asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, declaring that the President exceeded his authority with this proclamation. Issued on January 20, the proclamation aimed to block all migrants involved in what Trump called an 'invasion' at the southern border from seeking asylum or humanitarian protections. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled the action went beyond executive power in a detailed 128-page opinion.

This judicial decision is a significant setback for President Trump, a Republican who had regained the White House promising strict immigration enforcement. During Trump's tenure, the number of migrants apprehended for illegal crossings had significantly reduced. The American Civil Liberties Union filed the initial challenge against Trump's asylum ban in February, claiming it contravened both U.S. and international law.

Trump's restrictions extended beyond those implemented by his predecessor, President Joe Biden, in 2024, although key sections of Biden's ban were also blocked by another federal judge earlier this year. Judge Moss has postponed the enforcement of his decision for 14 days, providing time for the Trump administration to decide whether to file an appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)