Trump Admin Stonewalls Another Judge With Incompetent Witnesses
The United States — The big news coming out of yesterday’s hearing in federal court in Baltimore was that more than 100 asylum seekers have been wrongfully deported in violation of a court-approved settlement agreement involving unaccompanied minors. I happened to be the only journalist in attendance at the evidentiary hearing in front of U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher, who thankfully denied an uncontested last-minute request to seal the hearing. My full write-up is here.
My interest in this case has frankly less to do with the immigration issues at stake, though they’re undoubtedly important in their own right, and more to do with that fact that this case is an important front in the ongoing battle between the Trump executive branch and judicial branch.
Why it matters: This case exemplifies the systemic challenges facing the U.S. judicial process, particularly in immigration matters. The wrongful deportations raise significant concerns about the Trump administration’s adherence to court rulings and the implications for the rule of law.
What to watch:
- Future hearings in the J.O.P. case to see if the administration improves its witness quality.
- Potential repercussions for the Justice Department’s handling of immigration cases.
- Public reaction and mobilization around wrongful deportations and judicial accountability.
Key figures:
- Stephanie Gallagher, U.S. District Judge — overseeing the J.O.P. case and calling out the administration’s lack of competent witnesses.
Source credibility: Talking Points Memo is a reliable outlet known for its investigative journalism and focus on political accountability.
Published: March 20, 2026 1:42 PM
Source: Talking Points Memo — https://go.noligarchy.us/9fn3Ng