Text of Court Order Keeping Elian Within U.S. Protection

NewsMax.com
Wednesday April 26, 2000 11:08 AM

IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT

No. 00-11424-D

D.C. Docket No. 00-206-CV-KMM

ELIAN GONZALEZ, a minor, by and through
LAZARO GONZALEZ, as next friend, or,
alternatively, as temporary legal custodian,

Plaintiff,

v.

JANET RENO, Attorney General of the United States;
DORIS MEISSNER, Commissioner, United States
Immigration and Naturalization Service;
ROBERT WALLIS, District Director, United States
Immigration and Naturalization Service;
UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE;
and UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE,

Defendants,

________________________________________
Appeal from the United States District Court
for the Southern District of Florida
________________________________________

O R D E R

       Plaintiff, Elian Gonzalez, by and through his next friend, Lazaro Gonzalez, has filed an "Emergency Motion for Enforcement or, Alternatively, Clarification of Injunction Pending Appeal." In this motion, Plaintiff requests, among other things, that this Court enter an Order clarifying the present injunction (issued on 19 April 2000) pending appeal; Plaintiff asks that the clarifying order specifically enjoin the removal of Plaintiff to a place within the geographical boundaries of the United States but arguably not within the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States. Plaintiff also requests, in his motion, that this Court appoint some person to safeguard and protect the interests of Plaintiff, given that he has been removed from the physical custody of Lazaro Gonzalez.

       Defendants are given an opportunity to explain - in writing, not to exceed 25 pages, and no later than 4:00 p.m. (Atlanta time), on Wednesday, 26 April 2000 - to the Court why we should not grant Plaintiff's motion. In their writing, Defendants should especially explain why the Court should not now appoint someone, acting as a friend-of-the-court and special guardian ad litem, to report to the Court directly on the Plaintiff's condition and care as well as the circumstances of his present custody.

       I do not suggest that any person might attempt to circumvent the terms of our present injunction. But to ensure that there is no misunderstanding about the terms and intent of the injunction - and to allow sufficient time for Defendants to show cause and to allow full consideration of Plaintiff's present motion by a three-judge panel of the Court - I have determined to issue this single-judge, temporary Order clarifying the pertinent injunction. This Order does not supersede or otherwise limit the terms of the 19 April injunction; that injunction which was ordered by our three-judge panel remains in force and effect.

THEREFORE, It is ordered and directed that:

(1)      Plaintiff, Elian Gonzalez, is ENJOINED from going to any place within the United States lying beyond the power and jurisdiction of the Courts of the United States, including, but not limited to, any place that is or may be entitled to diplomatic immunity;

(2)      Any and all persons acting for, on behalf of, or in concert with Plaintiff, Elian Gonzalez, are ENJOINED from aiding or assisting, or attempting to aid or assist, in the removal of Plaintiff to any place within the United States lying beyond the power and jurisdiction of the Courts of the United States, including, but not limited to, any place that is or may be entitled to diplomatic immunity;,p> (3)      All officers, agents, and employees of the United States, including but not limited to officers, agents, and employees of the United States Department of Justice, are ENJOINED to take such reasonable and lawful measures as necessary to prevent the removal of Plaintiff, Elian Gonzalez, to any place within the United States lying beyond the power and jurisdiction of the Courts of the United States, including, but not limited to, any place that is or may be entitled to diplomatic immunity.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

___________________________________

J.L. EDMONDSON
UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE