Michigan AG Nessel secures injunction against federal mass firings

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside a coalition of 20 attorneys general, has secured a preliminary injunction in the case of Maryland et al. v. USDA.

The preliminary injunction mandates that 20 federal agencies must reinstate terminated probationary employees residing or working in the plaintiff states while the case continues. It also requires these agencies to adhere to lawful procedures for any future firinigs.

"Illegally firing probationary employees without following lawful procedures is not only reckless but a blatant abuse of power," Nessel said. "Securing this preliminary injunction against 20 federal agencies makes it clear that the White House cannot simply fire federal workers on a whim without proper legal review. I will continue to stand alongside my colleagues to ensure our dedicated public servants are treated with respect and essential federal initiatives for Michigan residents are protected."

The lawsuit, initiated on March 6, 2025, sought immediate relief due to the "irreparable harm" caused to Michigan and other plaintiff states. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on March 13, 2025, for 18 federal agencies, which was later extended until April 1.

The preliminary injunction ensures that the following federal agencies cannot continue their unlawful conduct during the litigation: Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury, Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Personnel Management, Department of Interior, Small Business Administration, Department of Labor, and United States Agency for International Development.

Attorney General Nessel was joined by the attorneys general of Maryland, Minnesota, the District of Columbia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.