Following a federal judge's ruling blocking the immigration ban ordered by the Trump administration, Homeland Security quickly complied by sending an email to its employees to resume standard rules for inspections at borders and airports. The nationwide temporary restraining order, to halt Trump's immigration travel measures targeting Syria, Iran, and 5 other countries, was issued by US District Judge James Robart on February 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. The United States Courts' case summary states that "certain sections of the executive order are contrary to the Constitution and laws of the United States," challenging President Trump's Executive Order on immigration.
Judge Robart's ruling says, "...the State has met its burden in demonstrating immediate and irreparable injury. This TRO [temporary restraining order] is granted on a nationwide basis ..." The ruling will be applicable nationwide pending a full review of the complaint by Bob Ferguson, Washington State's attorney general.
Trump reacts on Twitter
President Trump took to Twitter to express his outrage, tweeting that the judge's order was ridiculous. The White House said in a statement that "...the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this outrageous order and defend the executive order of the president, which we believe is lawful and appropriate." There has been no emergency stay filed as of Saturday morning.
Soon after, the White House released a new statement removing the word "outrageous" and claiming that the executive order has the constitutional authority to protect the American people.
On CNN's Anderson Cooper Friday night show, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said that he would take his case to the Supreme Court if necessary.
White House vows to overturn travel ban court block as visas reinstated – as it happened https://t.co/FfSujT3jWp
— Write2Film (@write2film) February 4, 2017
The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
What does this mean for travellers?
British Airlines, Air France, and other major airlines began boarding passengers bound for the United States after the ruling was announced.
Some airlines stated that they would wait until they receive further notice from the US. An Air France spokesperson told AFP, "Since this morning we have applied with immediate effect the judicial decision taken overnight. All passengers presenting themselves will embark once their papers are in order to travel to the United States."
