Federal Judge Blocks End of Temporary Protection for Haitian Immigrants in NYC

Some Haitian business owners and families in Brooklyn's Little Haiti say it's a small win, but the fear and fight continue.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A federal judge has temporarily blocked the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, one day before the scheduled ending of the program. The ruling comes as a relief to the large Haitian immigrant community in New York City, which has the second-highest population of Haitians in the country. However, many Haitian business owners and families say the fear and uncertainty continues, with some having already been forced to close their businesses due to the threat of deportation.

Why it matters

The temporary block on ending TPS for Haitians is a significant development for the large Haitian immigrant community in New York City, which has faced growing fear and uncertainty over the potential loss of legal protections. The ruling provides a temporary reprieve, but the long-term status of TPS remains uncertain, leaving many Haitian immigrants and business owners in a state of limbo.

The details

On Monday, a U.S. District Court judge ruled to temporarily block the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, one day before the program was set to expire. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit challenging the administration's decision to end TPS. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the ruling, calling it "lawless activism." In New York City, which has the second-highest population of Haitians in the country, Haitian business owners and families in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Little Haiti say the ruling provides a small win, but the fear and fight continue. Some Haitian-owned businesses, like the Bon Bonbon Cafe and Bakery, have already been forced to close due to a drop in customers and employees.

  • On Monday, a U.S. District Court judge ruled to temporarily block the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants.
  • The ruling came one day before the scheduled ending of the TPS program for Haitians.

The players

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

A federal program that provides temporary legal status and work authorization to certain foreign nationals who are unable to safely return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.

Department of Homeland Security

The U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, including immigration enforcement.

Jensen Desrosiers

The owner of the Bon Bonbon Cafe and Bakery in Brooklyn, which was forced to close in December 2025 due to a drop in customers and employees as a result of the threat of ending TPS for Haitian immigrants.

Jumaane Williams

The New York City Public Advocate, who applauded the ruling to temporarily block the end of TPS for Haitians but said the fight continues.

Farah Louis

A New York City Council Member whose parents are from Haiti and who represents thousands of Caribbean families in Brooklyn.

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What they’re saying

“We got a moment to breathe, so we just take the breath.”

— Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate (CBS News New York)

“This is a stop. We need a full solution for the kids can go to school, for the parents to go to work, for us to have a better life.”

— Unidentified speaker (CBS News New York)

“The final ruling is not here yet. We still don't know what the next steps are ... But what we do know is that we're creating spaces for preparation, we're making sure that folks are prepared for guardianship of their children, their businesses have the support that they need.”

— Farah Louis, New York City Council Member (CBS News New York)

“Heartbreaking to say that we had to close shop because of the situation, the immigration situation. Our customer base are immigrants, and they have self-deported.”

— Jensen Desrosiers, Owner, Bon Bonbon Cafe and Bakery (CBS News New York)

“Scared.”

— Unidentified TPS recipient (CBS News New York)

What’s next

The judge's ruling is a temporary block, and the long-term status of TPS for Haitian immigrants remains uncertain. The lawsuit challenging the administration's decision to end TPS will continue to play out in court, with the final ruling yet to be determined.

The takeaway

The temporary block on ending TPS for Haitian immigrants in New York City provides a moment of relief for the large Haitian immigrant community, but the fear and uncertainty continues. Many Haitian business owners and families remain in a state of limbo, with some having already been forced to close their businesses due to the threat of deportation. The fight for a more permanent solution to protect Haitian immigrants in the U.S. is ongoing.