Federal Judge Reads Death Threats During Hearing on Ending Haitian Immigrant Protections

Judge Ana Reyes refused to put her ruling blocking the Trump administration's move on hold, and addressed the threats she received.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes in Washington read email and social media death threats she received following her ruling blocking the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections for Haitians living in the United States. Reyes refused to put her decision on hold and defended the work of her judicial colleagues, saying they regularly receive such messages these days and that they "will continue to do our jobs as best as we know how" and "will not be intimidated."

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threats and intimidation faced by federal judges, especially those who make rulings on politically charged issues like immigration. It raises concerns about the ability of the judicial system to function independently and without fear of retaliation, which is a cornerstone of American democracy.

The details

In a ruling last week, Reyes blocked the termination of temporary protected status, or TPS, for Haitians while a lawsuit challenging the Republican administration's effort to end it proceeds. Her decision came one day before that designation for people from the Caribbean island nation had been scheduled to expire. The administration argued that Reyes should issue a stay, claiming it was likely to prevail on its claim that she lacked authority to review the decision to end Haiti's TPS. However, Reyes dismissed this, saying it was 'likely' that 'law-abiding' Haitian TPS holders 'who have been contributing to our economy' would be picked up by immigration agents and held in detention centers indefinitely.

  • On February 2, 2026, Judge Reyes issued a ruling blocking the termination of temporary protected status for Haitians.
  • On February 11, 2026, the Trump administration's plan to end the TPS designation for Haitians was scheduled to expire.

The players

Judge Ana Reyes

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. who was nominated by President Joe Biden and is the first Hispanic woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who sought to strip temporary protected status from several countries, including Haiti, as part of his administration's mass deportation efforts.

Joe Biden

The current President of the United States who nominated Judge Reyes to the federal bench.

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What they’re saying

“We will continue to do our jobs as best as we know how. We will not be intimidated.”

— Judge Ana Reyes, U.S. District Judge

“Absent her order, the judge said, it was 'likely' that 'law-abiding' Haitian TPS holders 'who have been contributing to our economy' would be picked up by immigration agents and held in detention centers indefinitely.”

— Judge Ana Reyes, U.S. District Judge

What’s next

The Biden administration has appealed Judge Reyes' decision to block the termination of temporary protected status for Haitians. The appeals court will now consider the case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of an independent judiciary that can make decisions without fear of retaliation, even on politically charged issues like immigration. The threats against Judge Reyes highlight the growing challenges facing federal judges in the current polarized political climate.