Filed Date: Nov. 19, 2025
Case Ongoing
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This case, brought in the U.S. Court of International Trade, challenges sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Illuminate USA LLC (plaintiff) is a U.S. importer that brought suit against U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its Commissioner, as well as the United States (defendants) on November 19, 2025. Plaintiff challenges three executive orders (hereinafter, “Trafficking Tariff Orders”) that authorize tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China in an attempt to address drug trafficking. The Trafficking Tariff Orders rely on the IEEPA, but plaintiffs argue that IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. Instead, plaintiffs assert that only Congress is able to impose tariffs, under the Taxing and Commerce Clauses. Plaintiffs point to V.O.S. Selections in support, as the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed a finding that the IEEPA does not authorize tariffs of any sort. V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump, 149 F. 4th 1312 (Fed. Cir. 2025).
On December 1, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade consolidated over 20 cases challenging the use of the IEEPA to authorize tariffs.
On December 23, 2025, the U.S. Court of International Trade stayed this case pending a decision in V.O.S. Selections, Inc. v. Trump and Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, both cases brought by businesses challenging the use of the IEEPA to impose tariffs. On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court held that the IEEPA does not authorize the President to impose tariffs. Learning Res. Inc. v. Trump, Nos. 24-1287 and 25-250, 2026 WL 477534 (2026).
This case is ongoing.
Summary Authors
Allison Opheim (2/22/2026)
For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71935842/parties/illuminate-usa-llc-v-united-states-customs-and-border-protection/
Brew, John Bowers
Wolff, Daniel William
Attorney-in-Charge, Attorney-in-Charge
See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71935842/illuminate-usa-llc-v-united-states-customs-and-border-protection/
Last updated Feb. 23, 2026, 12:17 a.m.
Case Type(s):
Presidential/Gubernatorial Authority
Special Collection(s):
Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government
Key Dates
Filing Date: Nov. 19, 2025
Case Ongoing: Yes
Plaintiffs
Plaintiff Description:
Private business
Plaintiff Type(s):
Public Interest Lawyer: No
Filed Pro Se: No
Class Action Sought: No
Class Action Outcome: Not sought
Case Details
Causes of Action:
Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. § 2201
Constitutional Clause(s):
Other Dockets:
U.S. Court of International Trade 1:25-cv-00281
Available Documents:
Outcome
Prevailing Party: None Yet / None
Relief Sought:
Relief Granted:
Source of Relief:
Issues
Immigration/Border: