Federal judge blocks Trump administration sanctions on two US rights groups aiding ICC Gaza inquiry
A federal judge in New York temporarily blocked the Trump administration from sanctioning two US human rights organizations that assist the International Criminal Court's investigation into war crimes in Gaza.
Preliminary injunction granted Tuesday
Judge Jesse Furman issued a 30-page order granting a preliminary injunction to Democracy for the Arab World Now and Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide. The judge ruled that the groups demonstrated a likelihood of success in their claim that the executive order violates First Amendment rights. He stated that even minimal periods of lost speech freedoms constitute irreparable injury.
Challenge to February executive order
The two organizations sued after an executive order issued in February 2025 threatened consequences for people involved in ICC investigations. The administration argued the order protected national security by targeting those investigating war crimes in Gaza alongside Israel. Both groups rejected accusations against Israeli leaders and opposed the court's decision to issue arrest warrants.
Separate lawsuit remains ongoing
Four other US-based rights groups filed a separate lawsuit regarding sanctions on the ICC shortly after Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote about dismantling the court. That specific case is still proceeding independently from the injunction granted to Dawn and Taag.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- The Guardian
- Middle East Eye
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.