U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen’s decision puts on hold President Barack Obama’s orders that could spare as many as five million people who are in the U.S. illegally from deportation.
The federal government is expected to appeal the ruling to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The Justice Department had no immediate comment late on Monday night.
In a 2013 ruling in a separate case, Judge Hanen suggested the Homeland Security Department should be arresting parents living in the U.S. illegally, who induce their children to cross the border illegally.
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The coalition, led by Texas and made up of mostly conservative states in the South and Midwest, argues that Mr. Obama has violated the “Take Care Clause” of the U.S. Constitution, which they say limits the scope of presidential power. They also say the order will force increased investment in law enforcement, health care and education.
In their request for the injunction, the coalition said it was necessary because it would be “difficult or impossible to undo the President’s lawlessness after the defendants start granting applications for deferred action.”
Congressional Republicans have vowed to block Mr. Obama’s actions on immigration by cutting off the Homeland Security Department spending for the program. Earlier this year, the Republican-controlled House passed a $39.7 billion spending bill to fund the department through the end of the budget year, but attached language to undo Mr. Obama’s executive actions.
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The White House has said Mr. Obama’s executive order is not out of legal bounds and that the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress have said federal officials can set priorities in enforcing immigration laws.