A coalition of immigrant rights and civil liberties groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday, accusing the Trump administration of overstepping its authority by shutting down asylum claims at the southern border. The suit, brought in Washington, D.C., federal court, argues that President Donald Trump’s border proclamation violates U.S. immigration law by barring noncitizens from seeking asylum and expelling them without due process.
Trump’s Border Order Declares ‘Invasion’
Trump issued the “Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion” proclamation on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration, invoking Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The order halts the entry of all noncitizens whom Trump deems part of an “invasion” and directs U.S. immigration agencies to remove, repel, or repatriate them.
However, immigrant advocates argue that the proclamation unlawfully circumvents federal law. The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), along with other groups, asserts that U.S. law explicitly allows anyone arriving in the country to apply for asylum and protects them from being sent back to nations where they may face persecution.
Advocates Allege Mass Expulsions Without Due Process
According to the suit, the Trump administration is expelling asylum-seekers within hours of their arrival, denying them the right to request asylum or access formal removal proceedings. Those who cannot be immediately removed are detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until deportation flights are available.
