The Trump administration has filed a significant lawsuit against the federal judges in Maryland, claiming they have misused their power to block deportations. This lawsuit was submitted to the Maryland district court on Tuesday and spans 22 pages. In it, the administration argues that the actions of these judges are “unlawful” and “anti-democratic,” as they are hindering Trump’s immigration policies.
Fifteen district judges and a court clerk are named as defendants in the complaint. The administration contends that Trump has a mandate from voters to enforce strict deportation policies and that the courts are obstructing these efforts. The lawsuit specifically targets a recent order from Chief Judge George Russell III, appointed by former President Obama. This order requires a two-day pause on deportations when an immigrant files a petition challenging their detention. The aim is to ensure immigrants have the chance to appeal their deportation.
The Trump administration argues that this order and similar rulings from Maryland judges disrupt the president’s ability to implement immigration policies effectively. They claim that these judicial actions waste valuable time that the administration needs to carry out deportations. The lawsuit states, “Every unlawful order entered by the district courts robs the Executive Branch of its most scarce resource: time to put its policies into effect.”
This legal action comes amid ongoing challenges to Trump’s immigration agenda, which have resulted in numerous nationwide injunctions from district courts. The lawsuit highlights that more injunctions were issued in the first 100 days of Trump’s current term than in the entire century from 1900 to 2000.
The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the right to due process for immigrants, emphasizing their ability to seek judicial review. However, the Trump administration argues that recent court decisions have undermined this commitment. The lawsuit against the Maryland federal court system raises questions about whether the judiciary can effectively check the executive branch’s powers in immigration matters.
Maryland, known for its Democratic leanings, has seen the Trump administration face significant legal challenges. This lawsuit is part of a broader narrative where Trump and his supporters accuse the courts of overstepping their authority.
One notable case involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran immigrant who was deported despite having a protection order. His case was overseen by Judge Paula Xinis, also named in the lawsuit. She ruled that the U.S. must facilitate his return after he was deported to El Salvador, which the Supreme Court upheld.
The Trump administration’s lawsuit broadly critiques the standing orders of Maryland judges, describing them as “judicial overreach” that interferes with the executive branch’s responsibilities. As the legal battle unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive in matters of immigration policy.