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Federal judge not ready to rule on blocking new travel ban

This March 12, 2013, file still image taken from United States Courts shows Judge James Robart listening to a case at Seattle Courthouse in Seattle. Robart has granted an extension to the Justice Department in a lawsuit alleging that President Donald Trump's immigration order is blocking efforts by legal residents to reunite with their children who are trapped in war-torn countries. (Associated Press / United States Courts)
By Lisa Baumann Associated Press

SEATTLE – A federal judge in Seattle who issued the order halting nationwide implementation of President Donald Trump’s initial travel ban says he won’t immediately rule on whether his restraining order applies to the new travel ban because of procedural reasons.

U.S. District Judge James Robart said in an order Friday that motions or a complaint over the revised ban need to be filed before he can make a decision. The states of Washington and Minnesota, as well as the Justice Department, have only filed notices.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson said on Twitter he is reviewing the order with his legal team to determine next steps.

Trump’s revised ban bars new visas for people from six predominantly Muslim countries: Somalia, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya and Yemen. It also temporarily shuts down the U.S. refugee program.

The travel ban is scheduled to go into effect Thursday.