Stand With Maryland’s Judges Defending Judicial Independence

In an extraordinary act of courage, all 15 federal judges in Maryland — led by Chief Judge George L. Russell III — are fighting back against an unprecedented lawsuit from the Trump administration that seeks to strip them of their ability to protect people from unjust deportations.

The judges’ standing order provides a simple, two-business-day pause before removing anyone who files a habeas petition challenging deportation — a modest safeguard to ensure that people have their day in court before being expelled from the country. The Trump administration’s lawsuit threatens to dismantle that safeguard, undermine judicial independence, and erode the separation of powers.

If the administration succeeds, it could set a dangerous precedent: presidents suing entire courts to weaken judicial authority, diminish due process, and silence checks on executive power. The Maryland judges’ stand isn’t just about immigration cases — it’s about preserving the balance of power and ensuring that our courts can operate free from political retaliation.

Add your name to stand with Maryland’s judges, defend judicial independence, and protect the right to fair and lawful due process for everyone!