Press Releases

SEATTLE – Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Suzan DelBene hailed Western District of Washington judge Thomas S. Zilly’s temporary restraining order, along with a stay issued by a New York judge, which has kept two immigrants in limbo at Seattle-Tacoma airport from being turned away and sent back to their countries of origin.

“This executive order was inhumane and undermines core American values. It has created confusion across our country, and thrown into fear and limbo families who await their loved ones and those who traveled across oceans. I am grateful to the ACLU of Washington and Northwest Immigrants Rights Project for their swift and principled legal challenges,” said Rep. Jayapal. “We have won a temporary victory, halting the unconstitutional deportations of two people and keeping them from being sent away. Now, we must keep fighting.”

“President Trump’s irresponsible executive order created chaos for many families today,” Rep. DelBene said. “I’m glad the Western District of Washington stepped in to delay part of the order thanks to the hard work of the ACLU of Washington and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. We don’t need to close our doors to keep Americans safe and we still have work ahead to ensure the President ends his cruel targeting of individuals based on religion and nationality.”

Jorge Barón, Executive Director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, joined the lawmakers in applauding the court orders.

“We appreciate that our political leaders in our state have stepped forward to stand on behalf of immigrants and refugees,” said Barón. “We are pleased that the work of many advocates has enabled us to temporarily put a halt to the harms of this executive order. And we commend the federal judiciary for responding quickly to redress the constitutional violations we were witnessing today.”

The two lawmakers filed a joint brief in the case expressing alarm at the lack of transparency from Customs and Border Protection.

Judge Zilly’s order is attached.

Family members of anyone detained at the airport should contact the Northwest Immigrants Rights Project at outreach@nwirp.org for assistance.

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