Fact Check: Trump administration sues all 15 Maryland federal judges over deportation ruling.

Fact Check: Trump Administration Sues All 15 Maryland Federal Judges Over Deportation Ruling

What We Know

On June 25, 2025, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, including Chief Judge George L. Russell III, in response to a standing order that paused deportations for 48 hours for any immigrant who filed a habeas petition challenging their removal from the country. This order was intended to provide immigrants with time to present their cases in court before being expelled (New York Times, Washington Post). The Justice Department's complaint characterized the judges' standing order as "unlawful" and claimed it infringed upon the executive branch's authority to enforce immigration laws (Reuters, AP News).

The lawsuit is unprecedented, as it is rare for the executive branch to sue an entire district court. Legal experts have described this action as a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary, particularly regarding immigration enforcement (CBS News, CNN). The Justice Department's complaint argued that the judges' actions constituted an "avowedly automatic injunction" against the federal government, which they claimed was issued without the context of specific cases (Washington Post, Reuters).

Analysis

The lawsuit filed by the Trump administration raises several critical issues regarding judicial independence and executive authority. Legal experts have noted that such a direct challenge to the judiciary is highly unusual and may undermine the principle of separation of powers (New York Times, AP News). The standing order issued by Judge Russell was a response to a significant influx of habeas petitions, which the judge argued created scheduling difficulties and necessitated a temporary stay on deportations to ensure due process for detainees (Washington Post, Reuters).

Critics of the lawsuit, including former federal judges and legal scholars, have condemned it as a "reckless and irresponsible" attack on the federal courts. They argue that it reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to delegitimize the judiciary when its rulings do not align with executive policies (New York Times, CBS News). The Justice Department's assertion that judges must rule on individual cases rather than issuing blanket orders is rooted in established legal precedents, yet the context of the standing order suggests a legitimate concern for the rights of immigrants facing deportation (Reuters, AP News).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, coming from established news organizations with a track record of reporting on legal and political issues. The New York Times, Washington Post, and Reuters are known for their rigorous journalistic standards, while the Associated Press provides reliable coverage of breaking news events.

Conclusion

The claim that the Trump administration sued all 15 Maryland federal judges over a deportation ruling is True. The lawsuit represents a significant and unprecedented action against the judiciary, reflecting ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the courts regarding immigration enforcement. The standing order issued by the judges aimed to protect the rights of immigrants, while the administration's response underscores its commitment to assert its authority over immigration policies.

Fact Check: Trump administration sues all 15 Maryland federal judges over deportation ruling.