Seventeen immigration court judges have been dismissed in recent days, according to the union that represents them, as the Trump administration continues to push its mass deportation agenda.
The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, which represents immigration judges and other professionals, announced that 15 judges were terminated “without cause” on Friday, followed by two more on Monday. These judges served in courts across 10 states: California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
“It’s outrageous and against the public interest that at the same time Congress has authorized 800 immigration judges, we are firing large numbers of immigration judges without cause,” said union President Matt Biggs. “This is nonsensical. The answer is to stop firing and start hiring.”
Courts at the center of immigration enforcement
These firings come as immigration courts play an increasingly central role in the administration’s strict enforcement efforts. ICE officers have been arresting immigrants at court appearances, intensifying fear among asylum-seekers and others navigating the legal process.
A spokesperson for the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Justice Department division that oversees these courts, declined to comment on the dismissals.
Since large-scale arrests began in May, scenes have unfolded where judges dismiss deportation proceedings only for ICE agents to arrest the individuals outside the courtroom and fast-track their deportation.
Massive case backlog and lack of legal support
Judges are already overwhelmed with a backlog of about 3.5 million cases — a number that has surged in recent years. Many immigrants wait years for final rulings, often representing themselves without legal counsel and relying on interpreters.
Unlike criminal courts, immigration courts do not guarantee the right to an attorney.
Funding boost, but staffing concerns remain
A newly passed law includes $170 billion for immigration enforcement, with $3.3 billion earmarked for the courts to increase staffing and expand the number of judges to 800.
Still, the union warns that the recent firings will only worsen delays. Since the Trump administration began, over 103 judges have either been fired or left voluntarily after receiving so-called “Fork in the Road” offers. Recruiting, hiring, and training a new judge can take up to a year.
According to the union, immigration courts currently operate with about 600 judges. These courts are overseen by the Department of Justice.
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