Judge: Trump Admin Cannot End Deportation Protection for South Sudanese Nationals

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem likely acted arbitrarily when she ended the protection, U.S. District Judge Patti Saris says.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, on Dec. 11, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

The Trump administration must keep in place temporary protected status (TPS) for nationals of South Sudan, a federal judge ruled on Feb. 12.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem likely violated federal law when she ended the status for South Sudanese nationals in 2025, U.S. District Judge Patti Saris ruled.