In a swift rebuke to United States President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, a federal judge in Seattle blocked the enforcement of his executive order restricting automatic birthright citizenship, just days after it was signed on Monday.
U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, an appointee of Republican former President Ronald Reagan, issued the temporary restraining order on Thursday, halting the controversial policy nationwide for 14 days while further legal challenges unfold.
The executive order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the United States if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Judge Coughenour described the policy as “blatantly unconstitutional,” citing the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil.
Sharp Criticism in Court
During a packed courtroom hearing, with additional judges observing, the judge voiced strong disapproval of the administration’s legal argument.
“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades. I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one,” Coughenour said. “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.”
Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola, representing Washington state, argued that Trump’s policy would strip more than 150,000 newborn children of their citizenship annually. These children, born after February 19, would face deportation and be barred from receiving Social Security numbers, government benefits, and lawful employment opportunities.
“Under this order, babies being born today don’t count as U.S. citizens,” Polozola told the court.
Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate defended the policy, claiming it was constitutional, and called the judge’s restraining order “wildly inappropriate.” However, Judge Coughenour promptly signed the temporary order before Shumate could complete his argument.
Political and Legal Implications
The ruling is the first legal setback for Trump’s hardline immigration policies, a cornerstone of his second term in office. The states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon, all led by Democratic administrations, spearheaded the legal challenge.
The Justice Department has announced plans to file additional motions next week to prevent the judge from issuing a longer preliminary injunction. Both the department and the White House declined to comment immediately on the ruling.
What’s at Stake
If enforced, the executive order would reshape a foundational aspect of U.S. citizenship law. Critics argue it violates the 14th Amendment and undermines fundamental rights.
Judge Coughenour’s temporary restraining order prevents the policy from being implemented until further review, signaling the start of what could be a prolonged legal battle.