NewsThe GuardianMay 9, 2026United States
Inside the Trump Administration's Purge of Immigration Judges
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired over 113 immigration judges, replacing many with military lawyers and political appointees to accelerate deportation goals. Judges report a culture of intimidation, where those who grant asylum at higher rates face termination or reassignment, raising concerns about the future of judicial independence in the U.S.
Read the full story at The GuardianWhy It Matters
The removal of experienced immigration judges and the deployment of military lawyers to preside over cases directly impacts the due process rights of millions of individuals currently in the U.S. immigration court backlog.
Key Facts
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Who's Mentioned
organizationNational Association of Immigration Judges“Professional association representing immigration judges.”organizationExecutive Office for Immigration Review“The federal agency overseeing immigration courts.”personSirce E. Owen“Acting director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).”personDavid Koelsch“Former immigration judge who resigned amid pressure.”personDonald Trump“President whose administration is overseeing the removal of immigration judges.”personElon Musk“Associated with the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) supporting fede”personJeremiah Johnson“Former immigration judge in San Francisco who was fired.”dollar_amount120,000“Number of cases in the San Francisco immigration court backlog.”