Trump Administration Overhauls Immigration Courts Amid Controversy

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping restructuring of the federal immigration court system, dismissing roughly 50 immigration judges and encouraging or transferring another 50 since early August, according to El País. Officials say the goal is to streamline immigration proceedings and address a record 3 million-case backlog, which the White House has called “dysfunctional and overly politicized.” The abrupt dismissals—often delivered via email—reflect President Trump’s long-standing frustration with judges he views as obstructing immigration enforcement. Supporters praise the move as a necessary effort to improve accountability and restore order, while critics see it as a politically driven purge.

Among those dismissed was former Judge Jennifer Peyton, an Obama appointee, who claimed she was removed after hosting Democratic Senator Dick Durbin at her courthouse. Durbin condemned the decision as an “abuse of power,” suggesting it was meant to intimidate the judiciary. The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed widespread dismissals, warning that morale has collapsed and that judicial independence is under threat. Administration officials reject claims of political retaliation, asserting the removals were based on performance reviews and designed to make the system more efficient.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review is now reassessing judicial caseloads and expanding recruitment of judges with law enforcement or prosecutorial experience. The White House argues that the courts have been plagued by inconsistent rulings and inefficiency, making reform essential to restoring public trust. However, the method and speed of the changes have drawn criticism from legal experts and immigrant-rights advocates.

Civil rights groups warn that dismissing judges over their rulings sets a dangerous precedent. “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 Trump intensifies immigration enforcement, the balance between efficiency and judicial independence remains precarious.