Read, Watch or Listen

NEW ORLEANS — A three-judge panel of a federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s declaration of an “invasion” at the U.S.-Mexico border is unconstitutional, issuing a late-night decision on Friday that strikes at the heart of the White House’s flagship domestic policy. The court found that the executive branch exceeded its constitutional authority by attempting to bypass existing statutory asylum laws through an emergency declaration, and it ordered an immediate halt to the administration’s “Operation Border Shield.” The ruling requires federal authorities to reopen ports of entry to individuals seeking asylum under current federal law, directly reversing the administration’s recent efforts to keep those crossings closed. WASHINGTON — The decision sets up an immediate confrontation between the executive branch and the federal judiciary, as the Department of Homeland Security responded with a defiant statement saying the administration is “exploring all options” to maintain order at the border, including the potential use of the Insurrection Act to keep crossings shut. Migrant groups are already gathering at major ports of entry in Texas and Arizona in anticipation of renewed access, while several Republican governors have indicated they may deploy state National Guard units to help keep the border closed despite the court’s mandate. The outcome raises questions about compliance with the ruling and underscores heightened tensions between federal authority, state-level actions, and the power of the courts.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.