Federal Judge Receives Death Threats After Ruling on Haitian Immigrants

Judge Ana Reyes blocked the Trump administration from ending temporary immigration protections for Haitians living in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes received death threats after her ruling blocking the Trump administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians living in the United States. During a court hearing, Reyes read some of the profane and threatening messages she had received, saying "We will continue to do our jobs as best as we know how. We will not be intimidated."

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing political tensions and threats faced by federal judges, especially those who rule against the policies of the current administration. The decision to end TPS for Haitians was part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to restrict immigration, which has faced legal challenges.

The details

In a ruling last week, Judge Reyes blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians while a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's effort to end it proceeds. Her decision came one day before the TPS designation for Haitians was scheduled to expire. During Thursday's hearing, Reyes grilled a government attorney about the impact of pausing her order, saying it was "likely" that "law-abiding" Haitian TPS holders "who have been contributing to our economy" would be detained indefinitely.

  • On February 2, 2026, Judge Reyes issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration from ending TPS for Haitians.
  • On February 13, 2026, Judge Reyes held a court hearing to address the government's request to put her ruling on hold.

The players

Judge Ana Reyes

A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, nominated by President Joe Biden. She is the first Hispanic woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve on this court.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who sought to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and other immigrants as part of his administration's mass deportation efforts.

Dhruman Sampat

An attorney for the Department of Justice who argued in court that the administration was likely to prevail on its claim that Judge Reyes lacked authority to review the decision to end Haiti's TPS.

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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

“We will not be intimidated.”

— Judge Ana Reyes, U.S. District Judge

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule on whether to put her decision blocking the end of TPS for Haitians on hold, as requested by the Trump administration.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threats and intimidation faced by federal judges, especially those who rule against the policies of the current administration. It underscores the need to protect the independence and integrity of the judicial system, even in the face of political pressure and hostility.