A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, rejecting its attempt to limit judicial power in urgent immigration cases. The lawsuit was seen as a direct challenge to the separation of powers, raising serious constitutional questions. Judge Thomas Cullen, appointed by Trump and brought in from another district, ruled that the administration lacked legal standing and that federal judges are immune from such suits.

In his 39-page decision, Cullen emphasized that the court had no choice but to dismiss the case. He argued that allowing it to proceed would defy legal precedent, violate constitutional norms, and undermine the rule of law. The case stemmed from a June action by the Justice Department, which sued the Maryland judges after the court’s chief judge introduced a rule temporarily blocking deportation of detainees who had filed legal challenges.

The court’s rule was applied in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported to El Salvador in March but later returned to the U.S. When the administration prepared to deport him again, Garcia filed a new case, which triggered the court’s protection. This example underscored the rule’s intent to ensure due legal process for detainees contesting removal.

Judge Cullen stated he did not have the power to impose the kind of sweeping ban on Maryland judges that the Trump administration requested. He added that the executive branch failed to present a legal foundation to support suing another branch of government in this manner. As such, he concluded, the lawsuit could not proceed.

The Justice Department had claimed that the court’s automatic orders lacked proper judicial review, raising concerns about their legality. However, Cullen noted that the case was extraordinary and touched on sensitive issues of inter-branch conflict during a period of aggressive immigration enforcement.

While the White House has not officially responded, past statements suggest the administration views such lawsuits as a way to challenge legal processes. Trump’s team maintains they have acted within the legal system, despite criticisms about undermining judicial authority.