The Trump administration has initiated a sweeping overhaul of the federal immigration court system, quietly dismissing around 50 immigration judges since early August and transferring or encouraging another 50 to retire, according to El País. The move, part of a broader White House directive to streamline immigration proceedings and reduce a record 3 million-case backlog, has sparked sharp debate over judicial independence and political influence. Dismissal notices were delivered abruptly via email, signaling the administration’s intent to reshape what officials call a “dysfunctional and overly politicized” system. President Trump has long criticized “activist judges” for issuing rulings that, in his view, undermine immigration enforcement. Supporters say the shake-up brings long-overdue accountability, while critics argue it amounts to political retaliation.
Former Judge Jennifer Peyton, appointed under President Obama, said she was dismissed without warning and suggested her removal was politically motivated after hosting Democratic Senator Dick Durbin at her courthouse. Durbin condemned her firing as an “abuse of power,” accusing the administration of intimidating the judiciary. The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed roughly 50 dismissals, warning that morale has plummeted and judges fear political interference. Administration officials, however, insist the changes are performance-driven, not political, aimed at improving efficiency and restoring public trust. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is reviewing judicial caseloads and performance metrics, while the White House recruits new judges with law enforcement and prosecutorial backgrounds.
Civil rights advocates warn that removing judges for their rulings undermines judicial independence. “Firing judges because their decisions don’t align with political goals erodes the rule of law,” said Julia Hernandez of the American Immigration Council. As President Trump doubles down on immigration enforcement in his second term, the fate of the nation’s immigration courts—and their balance between efficiency and independence—hangs in the balance. (Word count: 299)
