Judge temporarily blocks Biden from ending Trump-era immigration restriction

A Louisiana federal judge on Monday temporarily stopped the Biden administration from ending Title 42, a Trump-era COVID immigration restriction.

The temporary restraining order to keep the immigration mitigation measure in place came in response to a lawsuit filed by Missouri, Louisiana, and Arizona. More than 20 states filed a motion in support of the order.

The next hearing is scheduled for May 13, 2022.

The Biden administration will have a more difficult time ending Title 42 on May 23 as previously planned.

"This is a huge victory for border security, but the fight continues on," Missouri Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt tweeted.

Arizona Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich applauded the decision and said, "The Biden administration cannot continue in flagrant disregard for existing laws and required administrative procedures." 

"Joe Biden's reckless decision to rescind Title 42 would have flooded our already stressed southern border with illegal immigrants," Louisiana Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry said. "Fortunately, today a judge has granted our request to halt this enormous threat to our national security."

Both Republicans and Democrats have criticized President Joe Biden's efforts to overturn Title 42.

Border Patrol union chief Brandon Judd warned earlier this month that drug cartels will control the southern border if Title 42 is lifted.