Federal Court Permits End to Deportation Protections for Thousands of Ethiopian Migrants
Washington, Tuesday, 18 August 2026.
A federal ruling cleared the termination of deportation protections for 5,000 Ethiopian nationals, advancing a broader effort affecting over one million migrants facing potential workforce loss and deportation.
Judicial Ruling and Immediate Effect
On August 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy denied a request to postpone the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian nationals [1]. The ruling allows the Department of Homeland Security to proceed with ending protections for approximately 5,000 individuals residing in the United States [1][2]. This decision lifts a previous administrative stay that had blocked the termination effort [2]. The judgment was issued by a federal judge in Boston, clearing the way for the administration to enforce the TPS termination [2][3].
Legal Precedents and Program History
The judgment aligns with a broader series of court orders permitting the administration to undo protections for immigrants from multiple countries, including Haiti and Syria [3]. Earlier in June 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling limiting judicial review of TPS termination decisions, setting a precedent for the current case [3]. The TPS program, established by Congress in 1990, was originally intended to provide temporary relief during unsafe conditions [4]. Legal challenges regarding the termination are ongoing for other nationalities, including Cameroon and Afghanistan [3].
Administrative Stance and Humanitarian Concerns
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that individuals with terminated status should leave immediately or face deportation [4]. Conversely, advocacy groups argue that conditions in Ethiopia remain unsafe due to ongoing conflict [3]. The removal of work authorizations could impact sectors such as healthcare and logistics, where affected individuals are employed [1]. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that those permissions are temporary and not a permanent solution [1].