Judge blocks US gov’t move to end deportation protections for Ethiopians

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesJanuary 31, 2026 at 11:32 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A federal judge in Boston has temporarily blocked the U.S. government's plan to end deportation protections for approximately 5,000 Ethiopians. Judge Brian Murphy's order delays a February 13 deadline, granting time for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide records explaining its decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians. The lawsuit was filed by three Ethiopian nationals and African Communities Together, arguing the administration's decision was unlawful due to insufficient notice and ongoing conflict in Ethiopia. The plaintiffs also allege the DHS Secretary acted with discriminatory intent. The TPS designation for Ethiopia was initially granted in 2022.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kristi Noem 40% State Department 40% African Communities Together 50% Temporary Protected Status 60% Department of Homeland Security ×270% Donald Trump ×270% Brian Murphy ×280% United States ×280% Ethiopia ×590%

Keywords

deportation protections 90% ethiopians 80% immigration crackdown 70% temporary protected status (tps) 70% legal challenge 60% trump administration 60% department of homeland security 50% ethiopia 50% immigration 40%