Judge extends by two weeks order blocking Texas Gov. Abbott’s ban on migrant transportation

A federal judge on Friday extended by two weeks a temporary restraining order blocking an executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott that barred the ground transportation of migrants -- and ordered state troopers to pull over any vehicle suspected of doing so.

Abbott had issued the order amid an increase in migrant apprehensions at the border and concerns that the transportation of migrants through Texas could lead to further spread of COVID-19 in the Lone Star state. "The dramatic rise in unlawful border crossings has also led to a dramatic rise in COVID-19 cases among unlawful migrants who have made their way into our state, and we must do more to protect Texans from this virus and reduce the burden on our communities," Abbott said in a statement.