• The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against all federal judges in Maryland over a deportation pause.
• Judges argue the lawsuit threatens judicial independence and is legally baseless.
• U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen expressed skepticism about the necessity of the lawsuit during a recent hearing.
• The legal dispute stems from a standing order requiring a two-day pause before deporting individuals who file habeas petitions.
• This lawsuit raises significant concerns about the relationship between the executive branch and the judiciary.

The Trump administration has initiated a unprecedented lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland, challenging a recent court order that pauses deportations of immigrants who contest their removal. The suit, described by the judges as "legally baseless," seeks to block a standing order requiring a two-business-day delay for deportations following habeas petitions. Chief Judge George L. Russell III, along with other judges, argues that the order is necessary to protect judicial authority and facilitate legal proceedings, according to Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.

During a recent court hearing, Judge Thomas Cullen, who is overseeing the case, expressed doubt about the justification for such a "highly unusual" lawsuit. He questioned the need for the administration to sue an entire branch of government rather than pursue other available legal avenues to address the order blocking deportations. Judge Cullen stated, "I think you probably picked up on the fact that I have some skepticism," highlighting the limits of executive power in relation to the judicial system, according to Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

The standing order, issued by Chief Judge Russell on May 21, was designed to address a growing number of habeas petitions filed by detainees challenging their deportations. The Justice Department argues this two-day pause hampers its ability to enforce immigration laws effectively. However, Maryland judges contend that the administration's lawsuit aims to undermine the judiciary's role in overseeing immigration enforcement and claims it serves as a tool to facilitate mass deportations, reports Newsweek and Reuters.

Attorneys representing the judges, including prominent conservative lawyer Paul Clement, argue that there are more straightforward options for the administration to challenge the order, such as appealing on a case-by-case basis. During the hearing, he emphasized the "nightmare scenario" created by the administration's decision to sue, indicating it is a drastic measure that could lead to a significant disruption of the judicial process and reflects poorly on the administration's relationship with the judiciary, as noted by Los Angeles Times and Reuters.

Judge Cullen's skepticism toward the administration's approach and his questioning of the necessity for this lawsuit may foreshadow a challenging road ahead for the executive branch in this contentious legal battle. A ruling on the lawsuit's continuation is expected by Labor Day, which could set a precedent for future interactions between the executive branch and the judiciary on immigration matters, according to Newsweek, Los Angeles Times, and Reuters.