Judge Blocks Trump Sanctions Against ICC Prosecutor

U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen blocked the enforcement of a February 6, 2025, executive order issued by President Donald Trump. The order authorized economic and travel sanctions against individuals working with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on investigations involving U.S. citizens or allies, including Israel.

Judge Torresen ruled that the order constitutes an unconstitutional infringement on free speech, stating it restricts more speech than necessary. The executive order specifically targeted ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, whom the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control placed on a sanctions registry. Under the order, U.S. citizens providing services to Khan or other sanctioned individuals faced potential civil and criminal penalties.

The ruling follows a lawsuit filed in April 2025 by two human rights advocates. Judge Torresen noted that the order broadly prohibits speech-based services that benefit the prosecutor, regardless of whether those services relate to ICC investigations of the United States, Israel, or other U.S. allies.