February 18, 2026
Federal Judge Ana C. Reyes confirmed on February 12 that her order protecting Haitian beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) remains in effect. Meeting at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, she rejected the Trump administration’s request to suspend its implementation during judicial proceedings.
The judge determined that no new facts justified revisiting the decision issued on February 2. She emphasized that the measure seeks to prevent irreparable harm to thousands of Haitians legally residing in the United States.
In her reasoning, Judge Reyes considered the concerning security and political situation in Haiti, which further endangers the affected nationals. She underscored that the protection granted is grounded in clearly established humanitarian and legal principles.
Finally, the court warned the federal executive branch against any attempt to disregard the order. Judge Reyes stressed the binding nature of judicial decisions, noting that ignoring a federal ruling would constitute a serious violation of the rule of law.
