A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump has thrown out a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against all 15 judges on Maryland's federal district court, ruling that the judges were 'absolutely immune' from legal action over their judicial decisions.
US District Judge Thomas Cullen, who was nominated to the bench by Trump in 2020, said the lawsuit – which challenged a temporary block on some deportations – ran counter to 'overwhelming precedent' and 'longstanding constitutional tradition'. The administration had argued the order exceeded the court's authority, but Cullen said the proper remedy was an appeal, not a suit.
In a 37-page ruling, Cullen criticised the executive branch's approach, noting that 'these are not normal times' in the relationship between the executive and judiciary. He also condemned a 'concerted effort' by Trump administration officials to smear judges who rule against them, describing such attacks as 'unprecedented and unfortunate'.
The lawsuit had centred on an order from Maryland's chief district judge temporarily barring deportations for two business days when detainees challenged their detention. Among the defendants was Judge Paula Xinis, who earlier ruled that the administration unlawfully deported a man to El Salvador.
