DOJ seeks immediate lift of stay while appealing ruling that protected 300,000+ Haitians from deportation
Washington, D.C. – February 7, 2026 The Trump administration has filed a dual-track appeal challenging a federal judge’s order that blocked the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, according to a report by the Miami Herald.
Justice Department lawyers asked U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes in Washington, D.C., to immediately lift her stay of the DHS termination order, requesting a decision by Monday. Simultaneously, the government filed an appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
On Monday, Judge Reyes halted DHS’s order to end Haitian TPS — which had been set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday — shielding more than 300,000 Haitians (at least 158,000 living in Florida) from deportation while the lawsuit proceeds. The class-action case, filed by five Haitian plaintiffs, argued they would suffer irreparable harm if forced to return to Haiti’s volatile conditions.
In her 83-page opinion, Judge Reyes ruled that plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits, finding Secretary Kristi Noem’s termination decision “arbitrary and capricious” under the Administrative Procedure Act. She criticized DHS for failing to adequately address Haiti’s ongoing crises — including widespread gang violence, displacement of over 1.4 million people, economic collapse, and the lack of functioning government — while suggesting the decision may have been influenced by improper considerations, including potential hostility toward nonwhite immigrants.
The administration has stated it “vehemently disagrees” with the ruling and is exploring all legal options, including a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Stakes for Haitian Families and Economy
Haitian TPS holders contribute billions to the U.S. economy through their labor in industries like construction, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. They also send substantial remittances that support families in Haiti. The stay provides temporary relief, but the appeal process could prolong uncertainty for families, employers, and communities.
Immigrant rights groups have hailed Judge Reyes’ decision as a critical safeguard but warn the fight is far from over. They continue urging the administration to reconsider the termination amid Haiti’s dire humanitarian crisis.
L’Union Suite will track the appeal in the D.C. Circuit, any emergency motions, and potential Supreme Court involvement. Haitian TPS holders should consult accredited immigration attorneys or trusted organizations for personalized guidance during this uncertain period.
Stay informed — the outcome will affect hundreds of thousands of lives.
