In a shocking twist, a federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump just blocked his administration’s effort to speed up deportations, sparking outrage among conservatives who have watched activist courts interfere with immigration enforcement for years.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen of Virginia, a Trump appointee, dismissed a major Justice Department lawsuit aimed at striking down a Maryland order that delays deportations for migrants who file legal challenges. The ruling effectively shields illegal immigrants from fast removal and ties the hands of federal immigration officers.
Judge Cullen admitted that Trump’s legal arguments may have had merit but blasted the administration for suing all 15 federal judges in Maryland. Instead of siding with the President, Cullen called the White House’s approach “confrontational” and scolded officials for what he labeled “unprecedented attacks” on the judiciary.
The Maryland order at the center of the fight was signed by Judge George Russell, who used a backlog of migrant petitions as justification for blocking speedy deportations. Trump’s team argued this amounted to judicial obstruction and a direct violation of executive power, but Cullen rejected that view — siding with the very judges slowing down enforcement.
Even more troubling for conservatives, Judge Cullen went out of his way to criticize the Trump administration for describing left-wing judges as “radical,” “unhinged,” or “activist.” Instead of defending the rule of law, he attacked Trump officials for their tone — while illegal immigrants benefit from courtroom delays.
Cullen claimed the administration can still appeal, but for many Americans this feels like yet another example of judges putting politics before public safety. At a time when the border crisis is worsening and communities are paying the price, one of Trump’s very own appointees has delivered a stunning setback.
For conservatives, this ruling raises the question: If even Trump’s own judges won’t back strong immigration enforcement, who will stand up for the American people?