(SAN DIEGO) — The Trump administration is asking an appeals court to let it continue returning asylum seekers to Mexico to await court hearings while it challenges a San Francisco judge’s order that would block the policy.
The government requested a stay with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to prevent the lower court order from taking effect Friday afternoon.
Judge Richard Seeborg ruled Monday in favor of civil liberties groups to halt the practice while their lawsuit moves forward challenging the policy. His order will take effect at 5 p.m. Friday unless a stay is issued.
Seeborg said the policy violates U.S. law by failing to adequately evaluate dangers migrants face in Mexico.
The government says Seeborg’s order is erroneous and endangers the public during a humanitarian crisis at the border.
