Judge enjoins shutdown-related federal layoffs

On Oct. 15, 2025, Judge Susan Illston granted a temporary restraining order pausing shutdown-related RIFs.

On Oct. 28, 2025, Judge Illston entered a preliminary injunction enjoining shutdown-related RIFs and pausing implementation of notices issued on or after Oct. 10, 2025.

Court relief rests on Administrative Procedure Act claims and a finding that the agencies' actions were likely arbitrary and capricious. The order did not issue a final judgment on the Antideficiency Act.

Agency filings and declarations reported roughly 4,000 to 4,100 layoff notices. OMB Director Russ Vought publicly forecast the number could be 'north of 10,000.'.

A RIF notice typically carries a statutory pre-termination notice period under 5 U.S.C. § 3502 and related regulations, which the court noted in its order.