Texas Drops Request for Temporary Restraining Order Against Syrian Refugees

On Wednesday, Texas sued the federal government and a Dallas branch of the International Rescue Committee for going against Governor Greg Abbott’s directive to close the state’s borders to Syrians.

The first two families listed didn’t receive a “material support” exemption that had anxious state officials who oppose Syrian refugee resettlement in Texas, the brief said.

The legal battle over the resettlement of Syrian refugees was sparked by the November terrorist attacks in Paris that left 130 dead.

The six refugees flew into NY last night, and it’s unclear whether they will continue on to Dallas as planned. Many of them are children younger than 13 and include grandparents and a single woman hoping to reunite with her mother, who is already in Texas.

As a result of the lawsuit, the federal government revealed that 21 refugees are expected to be delivered to Texas next week, according to KERA News.

Texas, meanwhile, backed down Friday from efforts to block six Syrian refugees from resettling in Dallas after the Obama administration reiterated in federal court that the state had no authority to do so. Nine other refugees – a family of eight and a 26-year-old woman – are scheduled to arrive in Houston on Thursday.

The sudden about-face came hours after the federal government took steps to force the state’s hand.

The IRC attorneys said that the state agency made no showing of “statutory right or of imminent irreparable injury, that would justify such interference with the federal government’s authority”.

The lawsuit was filed by the attorney general on behalf of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, as was previously reported by Breitbart Texas. All refugees, including those fleeing Syria today, undergo the most rigorous screening and security vetting processes.

Texas claims the US government failed to adequately consult with the state about refugee resettlement.

Despite withdrawing their request for a temporary restraining order on the resettlements, the state has requested a hearing on or before December 9 to express their remaining concerns.

Federal officials called Texas’ fears over security unfounded and argued that its stance would harm national interests that are determined by President Barack Obama.

In its response Friday, the federal government said the state’s argument is “without merit” because it has met those obligations under the Refugee Act of 1980.

“All they’re asking for is safety”, said Lucy Carrigan, spokeswoman for the nonprofit International Rescue Committee, which is coordinating the Dallas resettlements.

Friday: Paxton ends bid for an emergency order but says he will press for an injunction requiring the Obama administration and resettlement groups to provide better information on refugees.

The International Rescue Committee filed a separate brief, also opposing Texas’ request.

“We have had a strong and collaborative relationship with the State for the past 40 years, which has benefitted refugees and local communities”.