DOJ Files Lawsuit Against Maryland District Court

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the entire U.S. District Court in Maryland.

The litigation seeks to block the deportation of undocumented immigrants who challenge a standing court order and file for habeas corpus. All 15 judges, along with the court clerk, are named as defendants in this case.

The lawsuit argues that the court’s automatic injunction raises questions about whether a foreigner requires or seeks emergency relief, if the court has jurisdiction over the claims, and whether those claims, however frivolous, warrant emergency action. It also suggests that such actions infringe upon the enforcement powers of immigration authorities.

In May, Judge George L. Russell III, appointed by Obama, issued a standing order that prohibits the removal of petitioners from the U.S. unless a judge extends the order. This order remains effective until 4 PM on the second business day following the immigration filing.

The lawsuit contends that the district court has excessively abused its powers, thus obstructing the functions of administrative agencies in a way that has not been seen before. It points out that in the first 100 days of President Trump’s current term, district courts issued more national injunctions than in the entire century from 1900 to 2000. Recently, the Supreme Court has repeatedly called for intervention to halt what it sees as illegal actions infringing on the President’s authority.

Spokesperson Chad Gilmartin commented on social media, indicating that this is part of the DOJ’s ongoing efforts to mitigate judicial overreach.

Additionally, the Trump administration criticized a Massachusetts District Court judge on Tuesday for allegedly disregarding the Supreme Court’s authority. Judge Brian Murphy, appointed by Biden, instructed the administration not to process groups of eight immigrants, despite the Supreme Court permitting “third country” deportations to proceed.