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Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the National Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon February 17, 2015 in Washington, D.C. Mark Wilson, Getty Images

Last Updated Feb 17, 2015 6:15 PM EST

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Attorney General Eric Holder sought to downplay the effects of a judge's ruling that blocks President Obama's move to remove the threat of deportation for up to five million illegal immigrants through executive action.

"We have to look at this decision for what it is: It is a decision by one federal district court judge," Holder said in response to a question by a reporter. "I have always expected that this is a matter that will ultimately be decided by a higher court - if not the Supreme Court, then a federal court of appeals, and so I think it has to be seen I, that context."

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The Obama administration will appeal a federal judges ruling to temporarily halt the presidents executive actions on immigration. Chief White H...

The White House has indicated that the Justice Department (DOJ) will appeal the ruling, and an agency spokesman later said DOJ officials are reviewing whether to seek a stay that would block the judge's ruling from taking effect immediately.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled that a group of 26 states have the standing to sue the administration over the executive action. One of Mr. Obama's orders would expand the pool of immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children who are allowed to apply for both a reprieve from deportation and a work permit.

The other order would protect the parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the U.S. for years. The states argued they would face financial burdens as a result of Mr. Obama's orders, such as processing applications for drivers licenses for some of the immigrants.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was set to begin accepting applications for the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on Wednesday.

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Eric Holder seeks to downplay court's immigration ruling