US District Judge Derrick Watson ruled that the state of Hawaii, in its legal challenge to Trump’s executive order, had established a strong likelihood that the ban would cause “irreparable injury” if it were to go ahead. 

The court in Honolulu was the first to rule on a trio of legal challenges against the ban, which targets all refugees and people from six mainly Muslim countries. Decisions were expected later Wednesday from federal courts in Washington state and Maryland.

But the ruling means a nationwide freeze on enforcement of section two of the order, banning entry by nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days. 

It also halts section six, suspending the US refugee admissions program for 120 days.

“The court declines to stay this ruling or hold it in abeyance should an emergency appeal of this order be filed,” the ruling said.

Trump’s administration says the travel ban is necessary to keep extremists from entering the United States. DM