The motion asks for a final ruling declaring DACA unlawful and permanently enjoining its implementation, according to the attorney general's office. If granted, the ruling would prevent the federal government from processing new DACA applications or renewing existing permits under the program.
Paxton has consistently argued that DACA exceeds executive authority and violates immigration law by allowing the federal government to unilaterally grant legal status to undocumented immigrants without congressional authorization, the release said.
"Our lawsuit is about the rule of law, not the wisdom of any particular immigration policy," Paxton said in a previous statement cited by his office. He added that Texas has argued for years that the federal executive branch lacks the power to unilaterally grant unlawfully present aliens lawful presence and work authorization.
The DACA program was instituted under President Obama in 2012. Paxton's office said the Texas-led coalition has previously secured injunctions against DACA expansion.
The attorney general's office cited a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision in October 2022, which the office characterized as holding that the President lacked legal authority to institute DACA. The current motion builds on that litigation.
The press release did not identify the court where the motion was filed, the presiding judge, or the case docket number.