Federal Judge Issues Injunction Halting Haitian TPS Termination U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes issued an 83‑page opinion on Feb 3, 2026 declaring the scheduled end of Temporary Protected Status for roughly 350,000 Haitian nationals “null, void, and of no legal effect,” thereby preserving work authorization and deportation protection for current beneficiaries while the lawsuit proceeds [1][3][4][5]. The order applies only to existing TPS holders; new applicants remain ineligible [1][2]. Reyes’ decision is a temporary stay pending further judicial review and is not a final judgment on the merits [1][5].

Ruling Cites Likely Racial Bias by DHS Secretary The opinion states plaintiffs are “substantially likely” to succeed because DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appeared to preordain the termination out of “hostility to nonwhite immigrants,” referencing her public calls for a travel ban on Haiti and similar nations [3][4][5]. This finding aligns with a Jan 29, 2026 9th Circuit ruling that Noem exceeded statutory authority in TPS terminations for both Venezuela and Haiti, highlighting evidence of racial and national‑origin animus [6]. The court’s emphasis on discriminatory intent underscores potential violations of anti‑discrimination principles embedded in the TPS statute [4][6].

DHS Labels Decision Lawless Activism, Plans Appeal Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin condemned the injunction as “lawless activism,” arguing that TPS was intended as a temporary safety measure after the 2010 earthquake, not a de‑facto amnesty [1][3][4][5]. The administration announced it will appeal the ruling, with officials indicating the case may reach the Supreme Court [1][4]. DHS officials maintain that the termination aligns with the administration’s broader effort to end TPS designations for several other nationalities [4][5].

Local Officials and Community React to Court Reprieve Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and City Attorney Zach Klein publicly supported the Haitian community, stating the city has received no notice of increased ICE activity and will protect residents’ rights [1][2]. Community leaders such as Yola Lamarre, Viles Dorsainvil, Rose‑Thamar Joseph, and Lynn Tramonte described lingering fear, food insecurity, and the need for stable legal status, while faith groups gathered to pray for Haitian families [2][3][5]. The court’s temporary relief was welcomed as an “11th‑hour reprieve,” but advocates warned families cannot plan their futures while the litigation remains unresolved [2][5].