Trump fires 20 administrative law judges

The Trump administration has dismissed 20 immigration judges amid significant government cutbacks, according to a union official. The firings included 13 judges who had not yet been sworn in and five assistant chief immigration judges, with two additional judges terminated in the preceding week. The U.S. Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review, which oversees approximately 700 judges, did not provide comments regarding the dismissals. Immigration courts are currently facing a backlog of over 3.7 million cases, leading to prolonged delays in asylum case resolutions. The firings align with the administration's goals of mass deportations and reducing the federal workforce, as evidenced by a recent directive to lay off nearly all probationary employees lacking civil service protection. Union president Matthew Biggs criticized the firings, suggesting they reflect a broader campaign against federal workers and a disregard for their humanity. The administration has also made changes to leadership within the immigration courts and has reversed several policies from the Biden administration. Additionally, the Justice Department recently halted and then restored funding for NGOs that assist individuals facing deportation after legal challenges from nonprofit groups.

- The Trump administration fired 20 immigration judges as part of government cutbacks.

- Immigration courts are experiencing a backlog of over 3.7 million cases.

- The firings are seen as part of a broader strategy for mass deportations and reducing federal workforce size.

- Union officials criticized the dismissals as inhumane and indicative of a campaign against federal workers.

- Recent changes in leadership and policy reversals have occurred within the immigration court system.