Trump Administration Takes Legal Action Against Maryland Federal Judges
In an unprecedented move, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Trump administration has initiated a lawsuit against the entire federal district court bench in Maryland. This legal action was prompted by a recent court order that effectively halts the deportation of individuals classified as criminal aliens.
The lawsuit comes in response to a directive from the US District Court for the District of Maryland, which mandated that court clerks automatically issue injunctions against the removal of any undocumented immigrant who files a habeas petition challenging their deportation.
“This case exemplifies a troubling misuse of equitable power to undermine executive authority. The defendants have established an automatic injunction mechanism against federal action, all without the backdrop of a specific case or legal dispute,” the lawsuit elaborates. “This was accomplished through the adoption of a standing order that mandates clerks to issue injunctions against the removal or alteration of the legal status of any alien detained in Maryland who files a habeas petition,” it continues, pointing out the procedural irregularities.
The DHS attorneys argue that the court’s automatic injunction policy raises serious legal questions, regardless of the merits of the claims presented by the immigrants. “The automatic injunctions are issued irrespective of whether the alien is genuinely in need of emergency relief, whether the court holds jurisdiction over the claims, or even if such claims are patently frivolous,” the lawsuit states.
According to a report by Fox News, the Trump administration’s legal team is challenging the Maryland court’s approach, claiming it is a blatant instance of judicial overreach. “Frustration and a desire for efficiency do not grant the defendants license to disregard the law,” they asserted in their filing.
The standing order from the Maryland court mandates that clerks instantly enter temporary administrative injunctions for cases filed by alleged illegal immigrants contesting their detention.
Chad Mizelle, Chief of Staff to the Department of Justice, highlighted a particularly ironic flaw in the Maryland court’s process: “Incredibly, an injunction can be issued even if an immigration attorney mistakenly files a habeas petition claiming that an illegal alien is detained in Maryland when they are actually being held in Texas. This has literally occurred.”
Mizelle further contended that these automatic injunctions violate established Supreme Court precedents. “According to the Supreme Court, an injunction should never be considered an automatic entitlement. However, the Maryland federal district court seems to treat these injunctions as a right for any illegal alien filing within its jurisdiction,” he explained.
The DOJ has filed a lawsuit against the district court in Maryland to halt their unlawful practice of issuing “automatic injunctions” for illegal aliens detained in MD who file a habeas petition. This Department of Justice will continue to vigorously defend @POTUS’s ability to implement his agenda…
— Chad Mizelle (@ChadMizelle47) June 25, 2025