Menendez described the issues as “frontier” questions in constitutional law, signaling that the case could test the boundaries between federal power and judicial oversight. She emphasized that her decision not to act immediately should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the federal government’s conduct or a rejection of the state’s claims.
To ensure a prompt but careful review, the judge established an expedited briefing schedule that will allow both sides to fully present their arguments. The U.S. Justice Department has been ordered to file its response by January 19, outlining its defense of the enforcement operations and addressing the constitutional claims raised by the plaintiffs. State and city officials will then have until January 22 to submit additional arguments and rebuttals. Judge Menendez indicated that she expects to rule on the request for a temporary restraining order later in the month, after reviewing the written submissions. She reiterated that delaying a decision was necessary to preserve the integrity of the judicial process, given the high stakes involved.
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