The state's district judges voted to replace Alina Habba with her top assistant, who was ousted by the Justice Department hours later.

"You know, we don't believe that [Habba] is acting under any legitimate authority at this point. It just seems that to me, at the very least, it's an issue that has to be preserved," defense lawyer Thomas Mirigliano said.

A defense attorney is arguing the Trump administration illegally maneuvered to keep Alina Habba as New Jersey's top federal prosecutor, despite the expiration of her tenure.