Two United States advocacy groups have sued the Trump administration in a Manhattan federal court, arguing that sweeping economic sanctions targeting international courts and rights organizations infringe on Americans' First Amendment rights.
The lawsuit, filed by Democracy in the Arab World Now (Dawn) and the Taxpayer Alliance Against Genocide, contends that the 2025 sanctions package disrupts Palestine-related advocacy by forcing US professionals to end constitutional partnerships.
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According to the 43-page complaint, the groups have historically worked with the International Criminal Court (ICC), sanctioned Palestinian non-governmental organizations, and UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese to document human rights violations.
Legal Challenge to Executive Order
Dawn executive director Omar Shakir expressed concern that the federal government is using broad economic penalties to restrict domestic political expression and penalize international human rights defenders.
The legal filing notes that under Donald Trump's executive order 14203, American employees continuing their advocacy and research collaborations could face civil penalties and federal criminal prosecution.
"Each of these activities is protected speech and association, squarely within the First Amendment’s heartland," the lawsuit states.
The litigation was initiated two days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to dismantle the international court entirely, drawing sharp criticism from legal observers.
Several legal professionals have backed the lawsuit, including some who previously challenged similar executive overreach regarding international human rights advocacy.
"I had to stop certain aspects of my work supporting affected populations around the world," said Akila Radhakrishnan, an international human rights lawyer.
