The Department of Justice informed fifteen immigration judges across six states that their appointments would end on July 22, adding to a wave of recent firings under the Trump administration. These judges had completed their two-year probation period with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and did not receive an extension or conversion to permanent positions. Like the fifty judges dismissed earlier this year, they did not receive a reason for termination. Others left through a voluntary resignation program called “Fork in the Road.” The firings came despite Congress approving over $3 billion to expand immigration court capacity, including funding to hire more judges and reduce a backlog of nearly 4 million cases.
Union officials and lawmakers raised concerns about the decision to remove judges at a time when the system needs more personnel. Matt Biggs, president of the immigration judges’ union, called the action hypocritical and said the government cannot enforce immigration laws while firing those responsible for enforcement. EOIR leadership has also pushed judges to speed up decisions, particularly in asylum cases, by delivering oral rulings rather than written ones. One outgoing judge said they stayed to provide relief where warranted and to issue deportation orders when appropriate, expressing no regret. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey urged EOIR to base future employment decisions on performance, not political considerations, especially since most judges typically gain permanent status after probation.
For questions about this, and other immigration matters, contact the attorneys at Gonzalez Olivieri LLC.
Reference: Bustillo, Ximena. “More Immigration Judges Are Being Fired amid Trump’s Efforts to Speed Up Deportations.” NPR, 14 July 2025, www.npr.org/2025/07/14/nx-s1-5467343/immigration-judges-doj-trump-enforcement.
