Judge Blocks Trump Sanctions Against Two U.S. Groups Helping ICC

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing sanctions against two American human rights organizations over their work with the International Criminal Court. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that the restrictions likely violated the groups’ First Amendment rights, allowing them to resume the advocacy covered by his order without facing the threatened federal penalties.

Two American Groups Challenge the Sanctions

Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide (TAAG) challenged a February 2025 executive order targeting people who assist certain International Criminal Court investigations.

The two organizations had supported the ICC’s examination of alleged war crimes in Gaza. They argued that the threat of sanctions interfered with their ability to gather information, communicate with court officials and carry out human rights advocacy.

The administration issued the order after the ICC sought the arrests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both men have denied the allegations, and the United States has opposed the ICC’s actions.

The Judge Finds a Free-Speech Problem

In his October 13 ruling, Furman concluded that the organizations were likely to succeed in their First Amendment challenge.

The judge found that the executive order restricted speech-related activities based on their content and that the government had not met the demanding constitutional standard required to justify those restrictions.

The decision followed earlier court challenges involving similar sanctions. Furman noted that another case concerning the 2025 order had already resulted in a ruling protecting the plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights.

His latest injunction applies to the two organizations and the individual plaintiffs in their lawsuit. He declined to block the sanctions program nationwide.

The Groups Prepare to Resume Their Work

DAWN welcomed the ruling and said it would immediately resume advocacy with the ICC concerning alleged crimes involving Israeli and American officials.

The State Department declined to comment on the pending litigation but reiterated the administration’s opposition to the court, saying the ICC threatens U.S. sovereignty.

The two sides now face another deadline. Furman ordered them to submit a joint letter by October 20 addressing the next steps in the lawsuit, including whether any First Amendment questions remain to be decided and whether the court should enter a permanent injunction.

References: Judge blocks US sanctions on rights groups helping ICC Gaza war crimes inquiry | Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Sanctions on 2 Groups Aiding the I.C.C.