U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann held that Habba’s term as the interim U.S. attorney ended in July, and the Trump administration’s “novel series of legal and personnel moves” to keep her in the role without getting confirmation from the U.S. Senate didn’t follow procedures required by federal law.

The Trump administration has ignored a July decision from a panel of judges replacing Habba as interim US attorney.

Attorney General Pam Bondi says the Justice Department will “immediately appeal” Thursday’s federal judge’s ruling that found Alina Habba had no legal authority to serve as New Jersey’s U.S. Attorney.