United States District Court Judge Haywood Gilliam issued a preliminary injunction blocking the transfer of $1 billion in funds from various Defense Department projects for the construction of the wall on the Mexican border, Politico reported. However, according to the ruling, the construction will only be limited "in specific border areas in Texas and Arizona" and the administration will still be able to withdraw funds from other sources. The Pentagon authorized the reassignment of $1.5 billion earlier this month, insisting that it will not impact readiness.
The judge argued that the administration's decision to circumvent Congress in securing the funds for the wall "does not square with fundamental separation of powers principles dating back to the earliest days of our Republic." US President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in February in order to secure around $8 billion for the barrier on the southern border.
