Judge Blocks DHS Attempt to End TPS for Ethiopians in U.S.
A federal judge enjoined DHS from ending Temporary Protected Status for over 5,000 Ethiopians.
Why it matters: The decision preserves TPS protections and sets a legal precedent for judicial review of executive immigration actions. Legal professionals should track this evolving case law as it could affect future TPS litigation and government policy decisions.
- On April 8, 2026, Judge Brian Murphy enjoined the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from terminating TPS for Ethiopians.
- TPS, which protects eligible foreign nationals from deportation due to crisis in their home country, was granted to Ethiopians in 2022 and extended in 2024.
- DHS announced plans to terminate TPS for Ethiopia in December 2025, citing improved security conditions, but the court found DHS did not follow correct statutory procedures.
- Judge Murphy's ruling highlights the judiciary's role in holding agencies to congressional mandates, not presidential preferences.
U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy for the District of Massachusetts issued an injunction preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians while legal challenges proceed. TPS is a humanitarian immigration status allowing foreign nationals to remain in the U.S. when return would expose them to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
- TPS was granted to Ethiopians in 2022 and extended in 2024 in response to persistent conflict and humanitarian risks. Over 5,000 Ethiopians currently hold this protection.
- In December 2025, DHS announced it would end TPS for Ethiopia, claiming changing conditions justified the move. However, the court found the agency had not met statutory requirements for such a termination.
- Judge Murphy emphasized: “Fundamental to this case—and indeed to our constitutional system—is the principle that the will of the President does not supersede that of Congress.” His order requires DHS to maintain TPS for Ethiopians until proper procedures are followed or further court proceedings are completed.
- DHS spokeswoman Lauren Bis, in a statement cited by the Associated Press, called the decision "the latest example of judicial activists trying to prevent [the administration] from restoring integrity to America’s legal immigration system."
- Legal advocates for TPS recipients say the ruling could affect other ongoing TPS-related litigation, as similar cases are pending for nationals of Haiti and Syria.
For details on the judicial decision and responses, see the Associated Press reporting and the official U.S. District Court press releases.
By the numbers:
- 5,000+ — Ethiopians currently granted TPS in the U.S.
- 2022 — Year TPS was granted to Ethiopians, extended again in 2024.
- April 8, 2026 — Date of Judge Murphy's ruling.
Yes, but: The ruling is preliminary; DHS may appeal or revisit procedures, so TPS status for Ethiopians remains subject to ongoing litigation.
What's next: The case remains before Judge Murphy, with further hearings set to determine long-term TPS status for Ethiopians and similar groups.