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Advocates React to Judge Granting Preliminary Injunction in Trump Refugee Ban Challenge [1]

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Date: 2025-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 25, 2025

MEDIA CONTACTS

IRAP | Spencer Tilger | [email protected] | M.E. Margolis | [email protected] | Rebecca Kirzner | [email protected] | Matt Misterek | [email protected]

ADVOCATES REACT TO JUDGE GRANTING PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION IN TRUMP REFUGEE BAN CHALLENGE



Access Recorded Version of Post-Hearing Press Conference and Rally Below

(Seattle, WA) — Today, a federal judge in the Western District of Washington granted a preliminary injunction in Pacito v. Trump, the first lawsuit challenging the suspension of the U.S. refugee resettlement program (USRAP) and the withholding of critical funds to support refugee resettlement. The preliminary injunction means the government cannot enforce President Trump’s unlawful refugee ban and must restore refugee processing and funding. The case was filed by the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) on behalf of Church World Service (CWS), HIAS, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), and nine impacted individuals.

Immediately following the hearing, leaders from national and local refugee-serving agencies, faith leaders, political leaders, local refugees, supporters, and the attorneys arguing the case, gathered in front of the courthouse for a press conference and rally. Together, they discussed the lawsuit and implications and demonstrated support for refugees and the families and communities waiting to welcome them. A recorded livestream of the press conference and rally is available HERE.

At the press conference and rally, speakers included:

Deepa Alagesan, Senior Supervising Attorney, Litigation, IRAP, said: “Today, the court recognized that President Trump cannot overrule this country’s laws with the stroke of a pen. The United States has resettled refugees under Congress’s Refugee Act for nearly 50 years and communities across the country have welcomed and embraced them. Last week alone, the Attorney General of Washington, along with 18 other state attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of our case, arguing among other things that refugees benefit their states. Today’s message is clear: The actions of this government do not represent the will of Congress or, crucially, the will of the people.”

David Duea, CEO, LCSNW, said: “We are overwhelmed by the response here today. So many faith leaders and other friends were with us in the courtroom, and they joined us in celebration on the courthouse steps. Our lawsuit is a stand for justice and accountability. The executive orders and stop-work orders aren’t just a breach of contract – they are a betrayal of trust for thousands of refugees. Today was the first step to restore that trust.”

Mark Hetfield, President, HIAS, said: “We are encouraged by the court’s ruling today, and are hopeful that it will lead to a restoration of our ability to continue to welcome refugees including religious minorities from Iran, Afghans who supported the U.S. mission and are now endangered, and families and individuals from all over the world who have fled violence and persecution. America is at its best when it welcomes refugees. They are a blessing to our country, not a burden.”

Rick Santos, President and CEO, Church World Service (CWS), said: “We came here today because the unlawful actions of this administration have left thousands of our refugee clients without access to the critical services they need. We feel validated by today’s preliminary injunction, but know there are miles to go before refugees, separated families, and our communities can be reassured that the United States remains a nation of welcome. Many of those impacted by President Trump’s actions are refugees who have already arrived in our communities. Upon arriving in the United States, they are legally entitled to employment services, and social support so that they can get on their feet and become self-sufficient. The United States has long been a beacon of hope to people fleeing violence and persecution. For the displaced, we still remain, as President Reagan said decades ago, ‘the shining city on the hill.’ The refugee neighbors we have welcomed into our neighborhoods, congregations and lives have made our communities more vibrant, prosperous and strong. Leaving behind refugee families, who our nation pledged to support, is an abdication of our values, a failure of our moral leadership, and an abandonment of the faith communities we represent.”

Greg Wong, Deputy Mayor, City of Seattle, said: “On behalf of the City of Seattle, I’d like all of our refugee community to know that we see you, we support you, and we love you. We recognize that our refugee and immigrant communities are not just quotas, not just faceless people who lived somewhere far away who come here, no. They’re our neighbors, they’re our friends, our teachers, our small business owners, and most importantly for us, they’re all Seattleites regardless of where they called home before they came here.”

Tshishiku Henry, former refugee and Washington State Delegate, Refugee Congress, said: “In 2018, during the first Trump administration, my wife, two children, and I were given the opportunity to be resettled in the United States. That opportunity was more than just a new beginning—it was a lifeline. This is why I stand before you—not just with words, but with a plea from the heart: I urge this nation—and especially the Trump administration—to reinstate the refugee resettlement program and unfreeze the funding that allows this lifeline to continue.”

Rev. Emillie Binja, former refugee and current pastor, Creator Lutheran Church, said: “It has broken my heart in the last couple of months to hear the myths and the ways that our struggles are being demonized and making us look like we do not belong in this place. The truth is this is our home, and I stand here before you as an American citizen, a religious leader, I can’t help but to hear the words of Mordecai in the biblical story of Esther that say perhaps we are made for such a time as this, we reject any evil power of hatred that causes separation and division. We reject anything and any power that tells us that we are us against them because we know that you are us and we are you. We are all in this together.”

Rabbi Ronit Tsadok, Director of Project Kavod, Jewish Family Service of Seattle, said: “We are here to affirm that our voices are strong and our message is clear. We will cry out. We will protest. We will raise our voices to defend the refugees who have been promised support. We will speak out for those people who are fleeing persecution, war, and other forms of violence. We will continue to demand that justice will be served.”

Additional Background on the Lawsuit

On February 10, 2025, IRAP filed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Executive Order suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program on behalf of three national and local refugee-serving agencies – CWS, HIAS, and LCSNW – as well as nine impacted individuals. The following day, the groups filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin all implementation of the Executive Order and restore refugee-related funding. Today, the court granted that preliminary injunction. The judge ruled from the bench and indicated a written order would be forthcoming.

The lawsuit argues that President Trump’s refugee ban order and his administration’s refugee suspension and suspension of funding for that work is unlawful and violates Congress’ authority to make immigration laws.

Resources

Watch a recording of today’s post-hearing press conference and rally: HERE

For photos of the press conference and rally, available with attribution, please contact [email protected]

Read the amicus brief filed by 19 state attorneys general in support of the case: HERE

Read the press release announcing the lawsuit: HERE

Read the court documents: HERE

The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.

www.refugeerights.org

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[1] Url: https://refugeerights.org/news-resources/advocates-react-to-judge-granting-preliminary-injunction-in-trump-refugee-ban-challenge

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