DOJ and Texas defend settlement ending immigration-case suspensions
The Trump administration and Texas asked the Supreme Court to preserve a settlement that struck down a 2024 rule allowing immigration judges to pause certain deportation cases. Three cities and an immigrant legal-services group are trying to challenge the district court’s approval of the deal after being denied entry into the case. The government and Texas argue that blocking the ruling would revive an invalidated regulation and disrupt a final judgment.
The disputed 2024 measure came from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a Justice Department component. It let judges pause removal cases in limited circumstances, including when a crime victim or witness was pursuing relief such as asylum during ongoing federal-court review. Texas challenged the regulation in Wichita Falls, where Chief Judge Reed O’Connor handled the matter.
Texas and DOJ jointly sought a final judgment the same day. O’Connor vacated the rule and barred similar future action. Baltimore, New Haven, Columbus, and Centro Legal de la Raza later tried to enter the case but were denied on standing grounds; the Fifth Circuit would not stay the ruling, so they turned to the justices in October.
The outcome could affect immigrants whose cases were paused or might be paused, as well as cities that provide services and tax revenue. If the settlement stands, some people may face resumed removal proceedings; if challengers prevail, judges could again suspend certain cases. Local governments and legal-aid groups may bear added costs or uncertainty, while the ruling’s procedural holding could shape how outside parties challenge future agency settlements.