Texas judges temporarily block Gov. Abbott’s executive orders

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 9:02 AM PT – Sunday, August 15, 2021

Two Texas judges have blocked separate executive orders imposed by Gov. Greg Abbott (R-Texas). One federal judge extended a temporary restraining order against the executive order imposed by the Texas governor. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone extended the order to Aug. 27, blocking Abbott’s directive for state troopers to pull over any vehicle suspected of transporting migrants who may pose a risk of carrying COVID-19.

A temporary restraining order was granted earlier this month per request from the Justice Department and was originally set to expire on Friday. Abbott has previously defended the measure for the health and safety of Texans, while many opponents have said it could lead to racial profiling.

Meanwhile, a separate Texas judge blocked another one of Abbott’s orders later on Friday, which bans local governments and schools from imposing mask mandates. In a statement to KEYE, Travis County Judge Andy Brown said the order overreaches and limits the ability of county officials and health authorities to protect their communities.

NEW: Our mask order will stand.

Now, district judges in Dallas & Travis Counties have upheld the right of local leaders to protect the safety of our kids & community. The Governor’s order to prevent counties, cities, & schools from protecting our children has been blocked.

— Andy Brown (@TravisCoJudge) August 13, 2021

However, earlier this week, Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton criticized “attention grabbing judges and mayors” who defied executive orders when the pandemic first began, adding they’ve lost before.

In the meantime, the Republican governor vowed any school district, local government, or public university that chooses to defy the directive, would be taken to court.

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