A Trump-appointed federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit the administration filed against the entire Maryland federal bench over its practice of issuing “automatic injunctions” to halt deportations of criminal illegal migrants.
Judge’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen ruled against the Department of Homeland Security’s suit, noting that the executive branch cannot directly sue the judicial branch over how it exercises judicial power.
“Much as the Executive fights the characterization, a lawsuit by the executive branch of government against the judicial branch for the exercise of judicial power is not ordinary. The Executive’s lawsuit will be dismissed, and its motion for preliminary injunction denied as moot,” Cullen wrote in a 37-page opinion.
Background of the Lawsuit
The Trump administration filed the case in June after the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a standing order requiring clerks to automatically grant injunctions to illegal immigrants who filed habeas petitions.
According to the complaint, these injunctions were issued regardless of whether emergency relief was sought, the claims were frivolous, or the court even had jurisdiction.
“Unbelievably, an injunction automatically issues even if an immigration attorney files a habeas petition in Maryland incorrectly stating that the illegal alien is detained in Maryland, when the illegal alien is actually detained in Texas,” said Chad Mizelle, DOJ Chief of Staff.
DOJ’s Argument
The Department of Justice argued that such “automatic injunctions” directly contradicted Supreme Court precedent, which holds that injunctions are never granted as a matter of right.
“Automatic injunctions flagrantly violate Supreme Court precedent,” Mizelle wrote on X in June. “This Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend @POTUS’s ability to implement his agenda.”
Appeal Filed
Despite Judge Cullen’s dismissal, the Trump administration filed an appeal on Tuesday to challenge the ruling. The case will now move to the appellate level.
