What’s Happening Tonight? (April 23, 2025)

Yet another day brings a series of updates in the court battles surrounding executive decisions made by the Trump administration. While none of the latest developments were groundbreaking, Judge Xinis’ decision to pause discovery in the Abrego Garcia lawsuit is worth highlighting. Additionally, there were a few other intriguing pieces of information that caught my attention, which I have outlined below.

Wednesday’s round-up:

• Abrego Garcia v. Noem – 8:25-cv-00951 – (case challenging removal of plaintiff — a/k/a “Maryland father” — to El Salvador) — As detailed earlier this evening by Joe Cunningham, the administration filed a sealed motion to stay the court’s discovery order, after which Judge Paula Xinis (Maryland), no fan of the administration, entered an order staying discovery until April 30. At this point, we can only speculate as to the reason(s) for that. 
• – 1:25-cv-00596 – (case challenging disclosure of personal financial records to DOGE) — Judge Ellen Hollander (Maryland) entered an order denying the administration’s motion to stay the preliminary injunction she issued last Thursday. (The case is currently up on appeal — again— before the 4th Circuit.)
• – 3:25-cv-01780 – (case challenging termination of probationary employees) — Judge William Alsup (Northern District of California) previously granted plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction. The administration has now appealed that order to the 9th Circuit. 
• D.V.D. v. DHS – 1:25-cv-10676 – (case challenging deportation to a third country) — The administration filed a response on Wednesday pursuant to a prior order issued by Judge Brian Murphy (Massachusetts) regarding the status/whereabouts of certain aliens (apparently to determine whether the government was/is in violation of the previously entered temporary restraining order (TRO)). The response identifies six aliens who’ve been removed from the country — two to Mexico prior to the court’s entry of the TRO, and four to El Salvador by the Department of Defense, which isn’t a party to the suit. (This is just sort of an interesting read providing details regarding the removal from the country of several aliens.) 
• Khalil v. Joyce – 2:25-cv-01963 – (case challenging removal from the U.S. pursuant to Executive Orders 14161 and 14188) — Following a minute entry/text order from Judge Michael Farbiarz (New Jersey) seeking a “succinct” letter from petitioner Mahmoud Khalil as to when his next immigration hearing will be, Khalil obliged with a concise letter that basically says, “I don’t know — it’s up to the immigration judge.” 
• State of Washington v. Trump – 2:25-cv-00244 – (case challenging ban on gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19) — Judge Lauren King (Western District of Washington) had previously entered a preliminary injunction in the case and an order allowing for expedited discovery. The administration appealed that to the 9th Circuit, and on Wednesday, Judge King granted the administration’s motion to stay the proceedings pending resolution of the appeal.