News Release from Jewell Stewart & Pratt – March 15, 2017 On March 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the federal government from enforcing the travel ban in the March 6, 2017 Executive Order (EO) on a nationwide basis. In his order, U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson stated that the EO was “issued with a purpose to disfavor a particular religion” and that “nationwide relief is appropriate in light of the likelihood of success.” The travel ban will therefore not take effect on March 16, and the government is prohibited from enforcing the travel ban until further ordered from the court. As with the previous litigation, there may be further hearings before a permanent order is issued.
Update: On March 16, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland separately issued a ruling barring the implementation of the EO. The Department of State also issued a statement of compliance with the court orders.
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