Fact Check: Justice Department Sues All 15 Maryland Judges in Unprecedented Legal Attack
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in the U.S. District Court for Maryland. This legal action was prompted by a standing order issued by Chief Judge George L. Russell III, which temporarily pauses deportations for 48 hours for any detainee who files a habeas corpus petition. The Justice Department's complaint argues that this order is unlawful and undermines the executive branch's authority over immigration enforcement (Washington Post, Reuters).
The lawsuit is characterized as unprecedented, as it is rare for the Justice Department to sue an entire district's judges, which typically serves to uphold judicial authority rather than challenge it (New York Times, Democracy Docket). Legal experts have described this move as a direct attack on judicial independence (CBS News).
Analysis
The Justice Department's lawsuit claims that the standing order issued by Judge Russell violates procedural norms by issuing blanket injunctions rather than addressing individual cases as required by Supreme Court precedent. The complaint emphasizes that the order is an example of judicial overreach that disrupts the executive branch's ability to enforce immigration laws (AP News, Reuters).
Critics of the lawsuit, including legal scholars and political figures, argue that this action undermines the principle of judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent for future interactions between the executive and judicial branches. They contend that such a lawsuit could intimidate judges and deter them from issuing rulings that may conflict with executive policies (New York Times, Washington Post).
The sources cited in this analysis include reputable news organizations and legal commentary, providing a balanced view of the implications of this unprecedented legal action. However, it is important to note that the Justice Department's perspective is aligned with the Trump administration's broader agenda on immigration enforcement, which may introduce bias in their framing of the issue (CBS News, Democracy Docket).
Conclusion
The claim that the Justice Department has sued all 15 Maryland judges is True. The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the judiciary, particularly concerning immigration enforcement. The legal action is unprecedented in its scope and raises serious questions about the balance of power between these branches of government.
Sources
- The Justice Department Files Complaint Against the District ...
- Trump administration sues every federal judge in Maryland
- Trump administration sues Maryland federal judges over order blocking ...
- Trump Administration Sues Maryland Federal Judges Over Immigration Rule ...
- Trump administration sues Maryland federal judges over order blocking ...
- Trump administration sues every federal judge in Maryland over order ...
- DOJ Sues Every Federal District Judge in Maryland, Challenging Due ...
