Federal Judge Dismisses Trump Administration Lawsuit Against Maryland Judges

U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen, appointed by President Trump, dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, which challenged an order halting immediate deportations of immigrants seeking judicial review. The lawsuit was described by Cullen as an unprecedented and aggressive attempt by the administration to limit judicial authority and enforce immigration policies. Cullen criticized the administration's approach as a "constitutional free-for-all" and condemned its campaign to disparage federal judges, labeling it a "smear" against the judiciary. The Maryland chief judge's order provided a 48-hour stay on deportations to allow immigrant detainees time to file habeas corpus petitions and participate in court proceedings. Cullen emphasized that while the government's legal arguments might have merit if presented properly, the confrontational tactic of suing an entire bench was inappropriate and lacked legal standing. This dismissal underscores judicial independence and pushes back against executive overreach in immigration enforcement disputes.