Judge Refuses to Pause Ruling Protecting Haitian Immigrants

Federal judge rejects administration's request to end temporary immigration protections for Haitians in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has refused to pause her ruling that blocks the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections for Haitians living in the United States. U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes also addressed threats she has received since making the decision to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haitians.

Why it matters

The ruling maintains temporary immigration protections for around 350,000 Haitians currently living and working in the U.S. under the TPS program, which was established to allow immigrants to remain in the country if their home countries are deemed unsafe due to natural disasters, political instability or other dangers. The Trump administration had sought to end TPS for Haitians as part of a broader effort to restrict immigration.

The details

Judge Reyes granted a request to pause the termination of TPS for Haitians while a lawsuit challenging the administration's effort to end the program proceeds. Her ruling came a day before the TPS designation for Haitians was set to expire. During the hearing, Reyes also addressed threats she has received, including profane emails and social media posts calling for her death, since making the decision to extend TPS protections.

  • On February 2, 2026, Judge Reyes granted the request to pause the termination of TPS for Haitians.
  • The TPS designation for Haitians was set to expire on February 3, 2026 before Judge Reyes' ruling.

The players

Judge Ana Reyes

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. who ruled to block the Trump administration's effort to end temporary immigration protections for Haitians living in the U.S.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who sought to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations from several countries, including Haiti, as part of his administration's mass deportation efforts.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. president who nominated Judge Reyes.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.