Challenging Emergency Declaration for Border Wall

The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and several officials within the Trump administration, arguing that President Trump’s emergency declaration, redirecting $6 billion in federal funds to pay for walls along the United States’ southern border, exceeds his executive power under the Constitution, the National Emergencies Act, and other federal laws. The lawsuit was filed with the Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife.

The lawsuit argues that the proposed border walls threatens animals — including endangered species — in numerous ways, such as restricting their movement and passage, which could lead to “extirpation” or localized extinction. Moreover, it is believed that some of the $6 billion in redirected funds will be taken from programs to combat wildlife trafficking, posing another threat to animals.

Who is being sued, why, and under what law? President Donald Trump and members of his administration, for exceeding executive authority and violating the U.S. Constitution, the National Emergencies Act, and other federal laws.

What court is the lawsuit filed in? United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Why this case is important: A human-made barrier on the scale of the proposed border wall would have a serious impact on animals. Such a structure would cause immediate and long-term harm to countless species, including the more than 100 endangered or threatened species living along the border.

Animal families would be divided, breeding and migratory patterns would be disrupted, and many species like Mexican gray wolves, jaguars, and ocelots may be driven to extinction.

As the nation’s preeminent legal advocacy organization for animals, the Animal Legal Defense Fund will not stand for a government plan that so plainly threatens animals and violates the law.