Overview

• The DOJ sued all 15 Maryland federal judges in June to block Chief Judge Russell’s standing order pausing deportations for roughly two business days after habeas petitions are filed.
• Maryland judges moved to dismiss the challenge, calling it a disruptive overreach that threatens judicial independence and arguing they are protected by judicial immunity.
• The stay has been applied in at least a dozen cases to allow detainees time for counsel and court review before removal.
• During the Aug. 13 hearing in Baltimore, Judge Thomas Cullen expressed skepticism of the government’s approach and questioned why it bypassed narrower appeal routes.
• Any outcome is expected to be appealed, with potential implications for separation of powers and courts’ ability to manage urgent cases.