CAIN BURDEAU, Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal appeals judges peppered lawyers on both sides with questions in a fight over President Barack Obama’s move to shield millions of immigrants from deportation.

A 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Friday held a special hearing in a closely watched case that is holding up Obama’s immigration action.

A coalition of 26 states, including Kansas and led by Texas, sued to block the plan. The hearing was on an appeal of a Texas judge’s injunction.

The Justice Department argued that Texas has no legal standing in the matter. Texas’ solicitor general countered that granting legal status to immigrants will be costly for Texas.

The judges did not rule and took the case under advisement.

Throughout the hearing chants and drumming by pro-immigrant protesters outside the courthouse filtered into the packed courtroom.