Case: African Communities Together v. Noem

1:26-cv-10278 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Jan. 22, 2026

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

On December 22, 2025, Plaintiffs African Communities Together (ACT), a non-profit organization of African immigrants, and four South Sudanese nationals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) filed this putative class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS or the Department), the DHS Secretary, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the United States. TPS protects eligible individuals from removal to countries that are designated unsafe, enabling beneficiaries to live and work legally in the U.S. while it is unsafe for them to return to their country of origin. In this lawsuit, Plaintiffs challenged DHS's decision to terminate TPS for South Sudan. South Sudan had been designated for TPS since 2011; on November 6, 2025, via a notice in the Federal Register, the DHS Secretary announced that TPS for South Sudan would terminate on January 5, 2026. Plaintiffs alleged that this 60-day wind-down period was particularly insufficient in light of recent policy changes that rendered alternative immigration relief effectively unavailable.

Plaintiffs sought to represent classes that included: (1) current recipients of TPS for South Sudan; (2) nationals of South Sudan or people who last habitually resided in South Sudan with pending applications for TPS; (3) the U.S. Citizen dependents or immediate relatives of US-based recipients of TPS for South Sudan; and (4) the U.S. Citizen dependents or immediate relatives of US-based nationals of South Sudan or people who last habitually resided in South Sudan with pending applications for TPS. They brought claims under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), asserting failure to follow required procedures, departure from prior policy without good reason, abuse of discretion, and decision-making contrary to law and constitutional right, as well as asserting violation of the Fifth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, asserting that the pattern of TPS cancellations was motivated by racial and/or national origin animus against African and other non-white or non-European immigrants. They sought declaratory relief, postponement or stay of the termination of TPS for South Sudanese nationals, vacatur of the termination of TPS for South Sudan, and an injunction precluding enforcement of the termination, fees, and costs. The case was assigned to District Judge Patti B. Saris, with District Judge Angel Kelley serving as the emergency judge for purposes of resolving the plaintiffs' motion for postponement, filed December 23, 2025, which sought either an expedited briefing schedule to address the merits before January 6, 2025, or an administrative stay to allow full consideration of the merits.

Judge Kelley held a hearing on December 26, 2025, and, on December 30, 2025, issued an order staying the termination of TPS for South Sudan subject to further court order. The court cited the importance of preserving the status quo during the pendency of the litigation, reasoning that allowing the policy to go into effect without a determination by the court would result in an immediate impact on South Sudanese nationals, including stripping current TPS beneficiaries of lawful status, which could result in deportation, and noting that any gap in immigration status for South Sudanese nationals could result in ineligibility for future relief, even if TPS were ultimately restored. Per the court's order, during the period of the stay, the legal consequences of being in TPS status based on South Sudan’s designation would continue to apply, including eligibility for work authorization and protection against deportation and detention based on TPS status, and the legal consequences of having a pending TPS application based on South Sudan’s designation would also continue to apply. The court adopted the parties' proposed briefing schedule, pursuant to which the matter would be fully briefed by January 13, 2026.

On February 12, 2026, the court granted the plaintiffs' motion to postpone the termination of South Sudan’s TPS pending a decision on the merits. The court first found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their arguments that the Secretary of Homeland Security violated the APA and the TPS statute. The court reasoned that the defendants likely adopted an arbitrary "pattern and practice" of terminating every TPS designation regardless of actual country conditions, pointing to the fact that the defendants had announced twelve terminations in twelve months. The court found a "significant mismatch" between the reasons provided in the Federal Register and the administrative record. Specifically, while the government claimed South Sudanese TPS holders were under investigation for fraud and national security risks, the administrative record showed that a USCIS search found zero such cases. The court also found that the defendants failed to consult with the appropriate agencies when making its decision, noting that a single, minimal email exchange with the State Department did not constitute meaningful "consultation," which requires actual deliberation or the seeking of advice. Next, the court concluded that the plaintiffs would suffer irreparable harm if the termination proceeded. The reasoning was based on the "dangerous and unstable" conditions in South Sudan, which is currently "on the brink of a renewed civil war," grappling with a cholera outbreak, and facing chronic food insecurity. Additionally, TPS holders would face the loss of work authorization, ineligibility for other immigration relief, and the potential "loss of liberty" inherent in removal proceedings if the court did not postpone the termination of Sudan’s TPS. Finally, the court found that there is "no public interest in the perpetuation of unlawful agency action," and that the government's purported interest in national security and public safety was undermined by its own record, which showed no evidence of fraud or safety concerns among the South Sudanese TPS holders. 820 F.Supp.3d.

On March 13, 2026, the defendants appealed the court’s February 12 order to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. On the same day in the District Court, the defendants moved to stay the February 12 order. A few days later in the District Court, on March 16, the defendants moved to dismiss the case for lack of jurisdiction and for failure to state a claim, arguing that under the TPS statute, the court could not review any determination to terminate a TPS designation, and that the plaintiffs had failed to establish a plausible claim under the APA or the Constitution.

The District Court denied the defendants’ motion to stay on April 9, 2026, holding that the defendants repeated arguments that they had previously raised in opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion for postponement of TPS termination, and the court had already rejected all of these arguments. 2026 WL 961900. Additionally, while the defendants raised a new argument that South Sudanese TPS holders had been subject to an administrative investigation, the court concluded that there was no evidence presented showing fraud or a threat to public safety or to national security.

On April 22 in the District Court, the parties jointly moved to hold the proceedings in abeyance pending the Supreme Court’s disposition of two consolidated cases pertaining to the TPS designations of Syria and Haiti, Noem v. Doe and Trump v. Miot. The court granted this motion the following day, holding that the court’s order postponing the termination of South Sudan’s TPS designation would remain in effect while the proceedings were held in abeyance. Further, the court asked the parties to submit a joint status report within fourteen days after the Supreme Court issued its ruling addressing their respective positions regarding the appropriate next steps in this litigation.

On May 1, in the appellate court, the parties jointly moved to stay the appeal pending the Supreme Court’s ruling in the TPS cases. This motion was granted on May 8, and the court asked the parties to file a joint status report in due course of the Supreme Court’s decision addressing their respective positions regarding the appropriate next steps.

On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in Noem and Trump, holding that federal courts are not permitted to review procedural challenges—those that are non-constitutional—to the government's termination or designation of TPS. This decision vacated lower court injunctions that had blocked the termination of TPS for individuals from Haiti and Syria.

The same day, the Supreme Court held in Mullin v. Doe that the TPS statute’s judicial-review bar applies to all non-constitutional claims challenging the Secretary of Homeland Security’s determination with respect to the termination of a TPS designation.

On June 29, 2026, in the District Court, the defendants moved to lift the abeyance and asked the court to issue an indicative ruling that it would resolve its postponement of South Sudan’s TPS termination if the First Circuit were to remand for that person, or alternatively, to stay the order pending resolution of the motion for an indicative ruling and the pending appeal. 183 F.4th 77. The following day, on June 30, the court ordered the plaintiffs to respond to the defendants’ motion within fourteen days, and stated that it would not issue an indicative order until after that response deadline.

On July 13, 2026, the plaintiffs moved to amend their initial complaint to add two new claims that the termination of South Sudan’s TPS designation violated the TPS holders’ and applicants’ Fifth Amendment right to procedural Due Process and that the termination was ultra vires because only the Attorney General, and not the Secretary of Homeland Security, has the authority to terminate a TPS designation.

The same day, the plaintiffs moved to postpone the effective date of the termination of South Sudan’s TPS designation and for an administrative stay of the termination. The court denied the motion the next day without prejudice, stating it lacked jurisdiction because the case was on appeal.

On July 22, 2026, the plaintiffs moved for an emergency motion for an immediate administrative stay of the TPS designation effective immediately or upon the issuance of the First Circuit’s mandate in African Communities Together v. Mullin, No. 26-1254. The next day, the court allowed the motion for an administrative stay effective immediately upon the court’s receipt of the First Circuit’s mandate in African Communities Together v. Mullin.

On July 29, 2026, the First Circuit allowed the government’s request for summary reversal and denied its additional request for a stay pending appeal as moot. The court found that in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Mullin v. Doe, only claims considered non-reviewable by the Supreme Court were the only basis for the postponement order on appeal. The court then remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with Mullin.

On July 31, 2026, the plaintiffs renewed their motion for an emergency postponement of the effective date of the termination of South Sudan’s TPS designation in the district court.

On August 7, 2026, the district court denied the plaintiffs’ July 13 motion to amend to include both new claims, stating that the claims would be futile and unlikely to succeed on the merits. For the ultra vires claim, the court found that DHS had a longstanding practice of administering the TPS program since the department’s creation and that the procedural due process claim failed as the plaintiffs repackaged their previously asserted APA claims, which were not reviewable by the court in light of Mullin.

On August 10, the plaintiffs appealed the August 7 decision to the First Circuit (Case No. 26-1898).

As of August 21, 2026, this case remains ongoing in the district and appellate courts.

Summary Authors

Kerry Holihan (5/29/2026)

Kara Wilczynski (7/2/2026)

Sadie Henderson (8/20/2026)

Maddy Ligon (3/13/2026)

Sofia Yoder (4/11/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72178312/parties/african-communities-together-v-noem/

Attorney for Plaintiff

Aslami, Nargis (Massachusetts)

Chen, Joy A. (Massachusetts)

Crew, Erik Matthew (Massachusetts)

Cunniff, Michael E. (Massachusetts)

Fakhimi, Golnaz (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Attorney for Plaintiff

Aslami, Nargis (Massachusetts)

Chen, Joy A. (Massachusetts)

Crew, Erik Matthew (Massachusetts)

Cunniff, Michael E. (Massachusetts)

Fakhimi, Golnaz (Massachusetts)

Jain, Mishi

Keaney, Melissa Shay (Massachusetts)

Killebrew, Paul (Massachusetts)

Leadem, Sarah (Massachusetts)

Lindsey, Ayana M. (Massachusetts)

Lynch, Mark H. (Massachusetts)

Oakley, Kristin M.

Petkis, Stephen (Massachusetts)

Poirot, Collin (Massachusetts)

Quallen, Matthew Chauvin

Randolph, Daniel Gerard

Rutherford, Abbey Rose (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

George, Abraham R.

Lockhart, Donald Campbell

O'Connor, Nicole M. (Massachusetts)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

1 1:26-cv-10278	Complaint	Jan. 22, 2026	Jan. 22, 2026 Complaint
56 1:26-cv-10278	Memorandum and Order on Plaintiffs' Motion for Postponement of Agency Action African Communities Together et al. v. Noem et al.	April 8, 2026	April 8, 2026 Order/Opinion 2026 WL 948591
61 1:26-cv-10278	Order African Communities Together et al. v. Mullin et al.	April 20, 2026	April 20, 2026 Order/Opinion
108483783 26-01376	Judgment African Communities Together et al. v. Mullin et al. U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit	July 29, 2026	July 29, 2026 Order/Opinion 183 F.4th 76
103 1:26-cv-10278	Memorandum And Order On Plaintiffs’ Motion For Postponment Of Agency Action And Defendants’ Motion To Dismiss African Communities Together et al. v. Mullin et al.	Aug. 18, 2026	Aug. 18, 2026 Order/Opinion 2026 WL 2408737

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Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72178312/african-communities-together-v-noem/

Last updated Sept. 6, 2026, 3:28 a.m.

Docket for: African Communities Together v. Noem

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	Jan. 22, 2026	COMPLAINT against U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, United States of America, Kristi Noem Filing fee: $ 405, receipt number AMADC-11492166 (Fee Status: Filing Fee paid), filed by AFRICAN COMMUNITIES TOGETHER, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 Category Form, # 3 Related Case Certification)(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/22/2026) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER 2 Category Form View on PACER 3 Related Case Certification View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Mark H. Lynch, Stephen Petkis, Paul Killebrew, Michael E. Cunniff, Ayana M. Lindsey, Sarah Leadem Filing fee: $ 750, receipt number AMADC-11493224 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
3	Jan. 23, 2026	ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. District Judge Patti B. Saris assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (JAM) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
4	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION For Leave to Proceed Under Pseudonyms by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
5	Jan. 23, 2026	MEMORANDUM in Support re 4 MOTION For Leave to Proceed Under Pseudonyms filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support of Motion, # 2 Exhibit 1 - Declaration of Amaha Kassa, # 3 Exhibit 2 - Declaration of Abal Doe, # 4 Exhibit 3 - Declaration of Samuel Doe, # 5 Exhibit 4 - Declaration of Stephen Doe, # 6 Text of Proposed Order)(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
6	Jan. 23, 2026	Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (CGK) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
7	Jan. 23, 2026	District Judge Patti B. Saris: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Pursuant to Local Rule 40.1(g)(8), I find that this case was erroneously designated as related to African Communities Together, et al. v. Noem, et al., No. 25-cv-13939, and direct the Clerk forthwith to randomly reassign this case to another District Judge. (CGK) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
8	Jan. 23, 2026	ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. Judge Brian E. Murphy assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge M. Page Kelley. (JAM) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
9	Jan. 23, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Nargis Aslami on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
10	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Abbey Rutherford Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11495406 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
11	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Collin Poirot Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11495449 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
12	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Golnaz Fakhimi Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11495477 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
13	Jan. 23, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Erik Crew Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11495487 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 01/23/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 23, 2026	Notice of Case Assignment
	Jan. 23, 2026	Order
14	Jan. 25, 2026	Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/25/2026)	RECAP
15	Jan. 25, 2026	MEMORANDUM in Support re 14 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support of Motion, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10, # 12 Exhibit 11, # 13 Exhibit 12, # 14 Exhibit 13, # 15 Exhibit 14, # 16 Exhibit 15, # 17 Exhibit 16, # 18 Exhibit 17, # 19 Exhibit 18, # 20 Exhibit 19, # 21 Exhibit 20, # 22 Exhibit 21, # 23 Exhibit 22, # 24 Exhibit 23, # 25 Exhibit 24, # 26 Exhibit 25, # 27 Exhibit 26, # 28 Exhibit 27, # 29 Exhibit 28, # 30 Exhibit 29, # 31 Exhibit 30, # 32 Exhibit 31, # 33 Exhibit 32, # 34 Exhibit 33, # 35 Exhibit 34, # 36 Exhibit 35, # 37 Exhibit 36, # 38 Exhibit 37, # 39 Exhibit 38, # 40 Exhibit 39, # 41 Exhibit 40)(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/25/2026) 1 Declaration in Support of Motion View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 8 Exhibit 7 View on PACER 9 Exhibit 8 View on PACER 10 Exhibit 9 View on PACER 11 Exhibit 10 View on PACER 12 Exhibit 11 View on PACER 13 Exhibit 12 View on PACER 14 Exhibit 13 View on PACER 15 Exhibit 14 View on PACER 16 Exhibit 15 View on PACER 17 Exhibit 16 View on PACER 18 Exhibit 17 View on PACER 19 Exhibit 18 View on PACER 20 Exhibit 19 View on PACER 21 Exhibit 20 View on PACER 22 Exhibit 21 View on PACER 23 Exhibit 22 View on PACER 24 Exhibit 23 View on PACER 25 Exhibit 24 View on PACER 26 Exhibit 25 View on PACER 27 Exhibit 26 View on PACER 28 Exhibit 27 View on PACER 29 Exhibit 28 View on PACER 30 Exhibit 29 View on PACER 31 Exhibit 30 View on PACER 32 Exhibit 31 View on PACER 33 Exhibit 32 View on PACER 34 Exhibit 33 View on PACER 35 Exhibit 34 View on PACER 36 Exhibit 35 View on PACER 37 Exhibit 36 View on PACER 38 Exhibit 37 View on PACER 39 Exhibit 38 View on PACER 40 Exhibit 39 View on PACER 41 Exhibit 40 View on PACER	RECAP
16	Jan. 25, 2026	EXHIBIT re 15 Memorandum in Support of Motion,,,, Ex 41. by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 42, # 2 Exhibit 43, # 3 Exhibit 44, # 4 Exhibit 45, # 5 Exhibit 46, # 6 Exhibit 47, # 7 Exhibit 48, # 8 Exhibit 49, # 9 Exhibit 50, # 10 Exhibit 51, # 11 Exhibit 52, # 12 Exhibit 53, # 13 Exhibit 54, # 14 Exhibit 55, # 15 Exhibit 56, # 16 Exhibit 57, # 17 Exhibit 58, # 18 Exhibit 59, # 19 Exhibit 60, # 20 Exhibit 61, # 21 Exhibit 62, # 22 Exhibit 63-1, # 23 Exhibit 63-2, # 24 Exhibit 64-1, # 25 Exhibit 64-2, # 26 Exhibit 64-3, # 27 Exhibit 64-4, # 28 Exhibit 65, # 29 Exhibit 66, # 30 Exhibit 67, # 31 Exhibit 68, # 32 Exhibit 69-1, # 33 Exhibit 69-2, # 34 Exhibit 70-1, # 35 Exhibit 70-2, # 36 Exhibit 71, # 37 Exhibit 72)(Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/25/2026)	RECAP
17	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 2 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Mark H. Lynch, Stephen Petkis, Paul Killebrew, Michael E. Cunniff, Ayana M. Lindsey, and Sarah Leadem. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CAM) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
18	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 10 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Abbey Rutherford. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CAM) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
19	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 11 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Collin Poirot. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CAM) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
20	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 12 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Golnaz Fakhimi. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CAM) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
21	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 13 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Erik Crew. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (CAM) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
22	Jan. 26, 2026	NOTICE by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe re 14 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement Proposed Order Granting Motion (Chen, Joy) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
23	Jan. 26, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Golnaz Fakhimi on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Fakhimi, Golnaz) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
24	Jan. 26, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: SHORT ORDER OF NOTICE...In order for the Court to address the merits of this Emergency Motion 14, the Plaintiff is ORDERED to serve the Complaint, the Emergency Motion for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement, all related filings and a copy of this Order upon the Defendants no later than 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. It is further ORDERED that the Defendants shall file a response to the Emergency Motion for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.NOTICE OF HEARING:A hearing on the Emergency Motion for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in-person in Courtroom 12.(BIB) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
25	Jan. 26, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Abbey Rose Koenning Rutherford on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Rutherford, Abbey) (Entered: 01/26/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 26, 2026	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear
26	Jan. 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Stephen Petkis on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Petkis, Stephen) (Entered: 01/27/2026)	RECAP
27	Jan. 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Ayana M. Lindsey on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Lindsey, Ayana) (Entered: 01/27/2026)	RECAP
28	Jan. 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Collin Poirot on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Poirot, Collin) (Entered: 01/27/2026)	RECAP
29	Jan. 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Erik Matthew Crew on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Crew, Erik) (Entered: 01/27/2026)	RECAP
30	Jan. 27, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Mark H. Lynch on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Lynch, Mark) (Entered: 01/27/2026)	RECAP
31	Jan. 29, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 4 MOTION For Leave to Proceed Under Pseudonyms. (MBM) (Entered: 01/29/2026)	RECAP
32	Jan. 29, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Nicole M. O'Connor on behalf of Kristi Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America (O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 01/29/2026)	RECAP
33	Jan. 29, 2026	JOINT STATEMENT of counsel Regarding Adjustment of Case Schedule. (Petkis, Stephen) (Entered: 01/29/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 29, 2026	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief
34	Jan. 30, 2026	NOTICE OF HEARING: Scheduling Conference re 33 Joint Position Statement Regarding Adjustment of Case Schedule is set for 1/30/2026 at 12:30 p.m. remotely by Zoom before Judge Brian E. Murphy. (BIB) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
35	Jan. 30, 2026	CLERK'S NOTES for Scheduling Conference held remotely by Zoom held before Judge Brian E. Murphy: In light of 33 Joint Position Statement Regarding Adjustment of Case Schedule, and after discussing the issues with counsel, the Court GRANTS 14 Emergency Motion for Administrative Stay until further Order of this Court, to provide for the production of the certified administrative record. The parties are to file a Joint Proposed Schedule, no later than February 5, 2026, outlining the time frames for producing the administrative record, the filing of briefs and setting a hearing date. Hearing scheduled for 2/3/2026 is CANCELED and will be rescheduled at a later time. (Court Reporter: Rachel Lopez at raeufp@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Petkis, Rutherford, Poirot, Crew, Fakhimi, Cunniff, Aslami, Sud, O'Connor) (BIB) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
36	Jan. 30, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. To preserve the status quo in advance of the Court’s full consideration of the merits of Plaintiffs’ motion (Dkt. 14 ), the effective date of the decision issued on December 15, 2025, and published at 90 Fed. Reg. 58028 to terminate the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), effective as of 11:59 P.M. on February 13, 2026, is hereby STAYED subject to further Order of this Court or higher courts. During the period of the STAY of the termination, the termination shall be null, void, and of no legal effect. Thus, the legal consequences of being in TPS status based on Ethiopia’s designation shall continue to apply, including being eligible for work authorization and having protection against deportation and detention based on TPS. The legal consequences of having a pending TPS application based on Ethiopia’s designation shall also continue to apply, including eligibility for work authorization and having protection against deportation based on a pending TPS application. The hearing scheduled for February 3, 2026 is CANCELED and will be rescheduled at a later time. The parties are ordered to confer and submit a Joint Proposed Schedule regarding production of the certified administrative record and a proposed briefing schedule no later than Thursday, February 5, 2026. (MBM) (Entered: 01/30/2026)	RECAP
	Jan. 30, 2026	Notice of Hearing
	Jan. 30, 2026	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief
	Jan. 30, 2026	1 - Terminate Hearings AND Scheduling Conference
37	Feb. 4, 2026	JOINT STATEMENT of counsel with Proposed Schedule. (O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 02/04/2026)	RECAP
38	Feb. 5, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC SCHEDULING ORDER entered upon the review of the 37 Joint Proposed Schedule, with few modifications.Defendants will produce the Certified Administrative Record by February 17, 2026.Plaintiffs will submit a supplemental opening brief of no more than 15 pages by February 24, 2026.Defendants' opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Postponement of no more than 30 pages due March 3, 2026.Plaintiffs' reply of no more than 20 pages due March 10, 2026. Reply shall not be redundant of earlier briefs filed and addresses only matters raised which were not reasonably foreseeable. NOTICE OF HEARING:Hearing on the Finalization of the Administrative Record is scheduled for 3/19/2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 12 (In person only) before Judge Brian E. Murphy.(BIB) Modified on 2/5/2026 (BIB). (Entered: 02/05/2026)	RECAP
39	Feb. 5, 2026	SUMMONS Returned Executed by Stephen Doe, Samuel Doe, African Communities Together, Abal Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5)(Petkis, Stephen) (Entered: 02/05/2026)	RECAP
40	Feb. 5, 2026	SUMMONS Returned Executed as to US Attorney by Stephen Doe, Samuel Doe, African Communities Together, Abal Doe. Kristi Noem served on 1/28/2026, answer due 3/30/2026; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services served on 1/28/2026, answer due 3/30/2026; U.S. Department of Homeland Security served on 1/28/2026, answer due 3/30/2026; United States of America served on 1/28/2026, answer due 3/30/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5)(Petkis, Stephen) (Entered: 02/05/2026)	RECAP
	Feb. 5, 2026	Order AND ~Util - Set Hearings
41	Feb. 24, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Sarah Leadem on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Leadem, Sarah) (Entered: 02/24/2026)	RECAP
42	Feb. 24, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Paul Killebrew on behalf of African Communities Together (Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 02/24/2026)	RECAP
43	Feb. 24, 2026	Supplemental MEMORANDUM in Support re 14 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration in Support, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit 2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9 Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9)(Leadem, Sarah) (Entered: 02/24/2026) 1 Declaration in Support View on PACER 2 Exhibit 1 View on PACER 3 Exhibit 2 View on PACER 4 Exhibit 3 View on PACER 5 Exhibit 4 View on PACER 6 Exhibit 5 View on PACER 7 Exhibit 6 View on PACER 8 Exhibit 7 View on PACER 9 Exhibit 8 View on PACER 10 Exhibit 9 View on PACER	RECAP
44	Feb. 25, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. The government is directed to file an electronic copy of the administrative record as soon as possible today. (MBM) (Entered: 02/25/2026)	RECAP
45	Feb. 25, 2026	NOTICE by Kristi Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America NOTICE OF FILING OF ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit, # 2 Exhibit, # 3 Exhibit, # 4 Exhibit, # 5 Exhibit, # 6 Exhibit, # 7 Exhibit, # 8 Exhibit, # 9 Exhibit, # 10 Exhibit, # 11 Exhibit, # 12 Exhibit, # 13 Exhibit)(O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 02/25/2026)	RECAP
	Feb. 25, 2026	Order
46	March 3, 2026	Opposition re 14 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement filed by Kristi Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America. (O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 03/03/2026)	RECAP
47	March 5, 2026	NOTICE by Kristi Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America of Filing of Correction to the Administrative Record (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Updated Certification, # 2 Exhibit Corrected Index, # 3 Exhibit Doc 3594-3595)(O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 03/05/2026) 1 Exhibit Updated Certification View on RECAP 2 Exhibit Corrected Index View on RECAP 3 Exhibit Doc 3594-3595 View on RECAP	RECAP
48	March 10, 2026	REPLY to Response to 14 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay, Production of the Certified Administrative Record, and Postponement filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Petkis, Stephen) (Entered: 03/10/2026)	RECAP
49	March 13, 2026	NOTICE OF RESCHEDULING HEARING: Hearing on the Finalization of the Administrative Record is RESCHEDULED until 3/26/2026 at 2:15 p.m. in Courtroom 12 (In person only) before Judge Brian E. Murphy. (BIB) (Entered: 03/13/2026)	RECAP
	March 13, 2026	Notice of Rescheduling
50	March 20, 2026	STATUS REPORT Joint Status Update Regarding Finalization of Administrative Record by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 03/20/2026)	RECAP
51	March 23, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered.Parties should be prepared to present argument on Plaintiff’s Motion for Administrative Stay, Dkt. 14, at the hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 2:15 p.m. (MBM) (Entered: 03/23/2026)	RECAP
	March 23, 2026	Order
52	March 24, 2026	Assented to MOTION Motion to Excuse Local Counsel from Appearing at March 26, 2026 Hearing by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 03/24/2026)	RECAP
53	March 24, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER granting 52 Motion Assented to Motion to Excuse Local Counsel from Appearing at March 26, 2026 Hearing. (BIB) (Entered: 03/24/2026)	RECAP
	March 24, 2026	Order on Motion for Miscellaneous Relief
54	March 26, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Michael E. Cunniff on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Cunniff, Michael) (Entered: 03/26/2026)	RECAP
55	March 26, 2026	CLERK'S NOTES for Hearing held in-person before Judge Brian E. Murphy: Argument heard on 14 Motion to Postpone February 13, 2026 Effective Date of Agency Action. Motion taken under advisement. (Court Reporter: Jennifer Vaillancourt at jenn.m.vaillancourt@gmail.com.)(Attorneys present: Fakhimi,Aslami,Killebrew, Lynch, Cunniff, AUSA O'Connor) (BIB) (Entered: 03/27/2026)	RECAP
	March 27, 2026	Hearing - Other
56	April 8, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ORDER entered. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER on Plaintiffs' Motion for Postponement of Agency Action. Plaintiffs’ motion to postpone the effective date of the termination of Ethiopia’s TPS designation is GRANTED. (MBM) (Entered: 04/08/2026)	Clearinghouse
57	April 9, 2026	NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 56 Memorandum & ORDER, by Kristi L. Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America. Fee Status: US Government. NOTICE TO COUNSEL: A Transcript Report/Order Form, which can be downloaded from the First Circuit Court of Appeals web site at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov MUST be completed and submitted to the Court of Appeals. Counsel shall register for a First Circuit CM/ECF Appellate Filer Account at http://pacer.psc.uscourts.gov/cmecf. Counsel shall also review the First Circuit requirements for electronic filing by visiting the CM/ECF Information section at http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/cmecf. US District Court Clerk to deliver official record to Court of Appeals by 4/29/2026. (O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 04/09/2026)	RECAP
58	April 9, 2026	Certified and Transmitted Abbreviated Electronic Record on Appeal to US Court of Appeals re 57 Notice of Appeal. (MAP) (Entered: 04/09/2026)	RECAP
59	April 10, 2026	USCA Case Number 26-1376 for 57 Notice of Appeal,,, filed by Kristi L. Noem, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, United States of America. (MAP) (Entered: 04/10/2026)	RECAP
	April 10, 2026	USCA Case Number
60	April 17, 2026	Joint MOTION to Hold Proceedings in Abeyance pending U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in TPS Cases by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Proposed Order)(Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 04/17/2026) 1 Exhibit A View on PACER 2 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
61	April 20, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ORDER granting 60 Joint Motion to Hold Proceedings in Abeyance pending U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in TPS Cases...It is further ORDERED that within fourteen (14) days after the time for any motion for rehearing has expired, the Parties shall submit a joint status report addressing their respective positions regarding appropriate next steps in this litigation, including a proposed briefing schedule if necessary. SO ORDERED. (BIB) (Entered: 04/20/2026)	Clearinghouse
62	April 24, 2026	MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Fakhimi, Golnaz) (Entered: 04/24/2026)	RECAP
63	April 27, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 62 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. (MBM) (Entered: 04/27/2026)	RECAP
	April 27, 2026	Order on Motion to Withdraw as Attorney
64	May 5, 2026	Transcript of Motion Hearing held on March 26, 2026, before Judge Brian E. Murphy. The Transcript may be purchased through the Court Reporter, viewed at the public terminal, or viewed through PACER after it is released. Court Reporter Name and Contact Information: Jennifer Vaillancourt at jenn.m.vaillancourt@gmail.com. Redaction Request due 5/26/2026. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 6/5/2026. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 8/3/2026. (DRK) (Entered: 05/05/2026)	RECAP
65	May 5, 2026	NOTICE is hereby given that an official transcript of a proceeding has been filed by the court reporter in the above-captioned matter. Counsel are referred to the Court's Transcript Redaction Policy, available on the court website at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/transcripts.htm (DRK) (Entered: 05/05/2026)	RECAP
	May 5, 2026	Notice of Filing of Official Transcript
66	May 14, 2026	NOTICE of Withdrawal of Appearance by Michael E. Cunniff (Cunniff, Michael) (Entered: 05/14/2026)	RECAP
67	June 29, 2026	MOTION Lift Abeyance and Issue Indicative Ruling or Stay Pending Appeal by Kristi L. Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America.(O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 06/29/2026)	RECAP
68	July 13, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Melissa Keaney Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11883166 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 PHV Certification, # 2 PHV Proposed Order)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
69	July 13, 2026	MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Daniel G. Randolph Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11883174 by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 PHV Certification, # 2 PHV Proposed Order)(Aslami, Nargis) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
70	July 13, 2026	MEMORANDUM in Opposition re 67 MOTION Lift Abeyance and Issue Indicative Ruling or Stay Pending Appeal filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
71	July 13, 2026	AMENDED COMPLAINT against U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, United States of America, Kristi L. Noem, filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Attachments: # 1 Attachment 1 - Redline of Complaint)(Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/13/2026) 1 Attachment 1 - Redline of Complaint View on RECAP	RECAP
72	July 13, 2026	Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay and to Postpone Effective Date of Agency Action (Renewed) by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
73	July 13, 2026	MEMORANDUM in Support re 72 Emergency MOTION for Administrative Stay and to Postpone Effective Date of Agency Action (Renewed) filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/13/2026)	RECAP
74	July 14, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 68 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Melissa Keaney. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (MBM) (Entered: 07/14/2026)	RECAP
75	July 14, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 69 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Daniel G. Randolph. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual upgraded PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. Counsel may need to link their CM/ECF account to their upgraded individual pacer account. Instructions on how to link CM/ECF accounts to upgraded pacer account can be found at https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-current-pacer-accounts.htm#link-account. (MBM) (Entered: 07/14/2026)	RECAP
	July 14, 2026	Order on Motion for Leave to Appear
76	July 15, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Daniel Gerard Randolph on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Randolph, Daniel) (Entered: 07/15/2026)	RECAP
77	July 16, 2026	NOTICE of Appearance by Melissa Shay Keaney on behalf of African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe (Keaney, Melissa) (Entered: 07/16/2026)	RECAP
78	July 22, 2026	Emergency MOTION to Stay by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe.(Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/22/2026)	RECAP
79	July 22, 2026	MEMORANDUM in Support re 78 Emergency MOTION to Stay filed by African Communities Together, Abal Doe, Samuel Doe, Stephen Doe. (Killebrew, Paul) (Entered: 07/22/2026)	RECAP
80	July 23, 2026	Notice of Supplemental Authorities re 78 Emergency MOTION to Stay (Killebrew, Paul) (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1) (MBM) (Entered: 07/23/2026)	RECAP
81	July 24, 2026	Opposition re 78 Emergency MOTION to Stay filed by Markwayne Mullin, Kristi L. Noem, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States of America. (O'Connor, Nicole) (Entered: 07/24/2026)	RECAP
82	July 24, 2026	Judge Brian E. Murphy: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered. Plaintiffs have moved for an administrative stay pending resolution of their motion to amend their complaint and renewed motion for postponement. Dkt. 78 . As previously noted by another Court in this District, a court "may issue an administrative stay 'in an exercise of its docket-management authority.' Administrative stays are not a reflection of the merits, but instead allow the court time to consider the merits of a case that cannot be successfully or appropriately evaluated in haste." Afr. Communities Together v. Doe, No. 1:25-cv-13939, Dkt. 37 at 3 (D. Mass. Dec. 30, 2025) (citation omitted) (quoting United States v. Texas, 144 S. Ct. 797, 798 (2024) (Barrett, J., concurring)). After review, and in light of the novel arguments raised in Plaintiffs’ amended complaint, the Court GRANTS Plaintiffs' motion for an administrative stay (Dkt. 78) as follows. To preserve the status quo, the effective date of termination of the designation of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia (the "Termination") will be STAYED, subject to further order of this Court or higher courts, pending resolution of Plaintiffs' renewed motion for postponement. During the period of the stay of the Termination, the Termination shall be null, void, and of no legal effect. This Order is effective immediately upon this Court's receipt of the First Circuit's mandate in African Communities Together v. Mullin, No. 26-1376. (MBM) (Entered: 07/24/2026)	RECAP
	July 24, 2026	Order on Motion to Stay

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Immigration Enforcement

Key Dates

Filing Date: Jan. 22, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

African Communities Together, a non-profit organization representing African immigrants, along with three individual Ethiopian nationals identified, described as Black men in their 20s-40s who are Temporary Protected Status holders.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

Muslim Advocates

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: Yes

Class Action Outcome: Pending

Defendants

Federal

Kristi Noem

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Defendant Type(s):

Jurisdiction-wide

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Constitutional Clause(s):

Equal Protection

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:26-cv-10278

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit 26-01376

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Stay of government action

Relief Granted:

Preliminary injunction / Temp. restraining order

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Content of Injunction:

Preliminary relief granted

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Constitutional rights

Status/Classification

Temporary protected status

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of African Communities Together v. Noem, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, https://clearinghouse.net/case/47744/ (last updated 4/11/2026).