Trump Administration Fires 200+ Immigration Judges, Replaces with 'Deportation Judges'

The Trump administration has removed more than 200 immigration judges from their positions, either firing them outright, forcing them out, or pressuring them to retire early. Officials are replacing these judges with new ones being called 'deportation judges.'

This major shake-up comes as President Trump pushes forward with his campaign promise of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Tens of thousands of people, including some U.S. citizens, are currently being held by ICE as part of this effort.

More than a dozen former federal judges told news outlets they felt pressured during Trump's first term to order deportations of immigrants seeking relief in their courtrooms. They say they were threatened with losing their jobs if they didn't comply with removal targets.

Former judges report that pressures on immigration courts have changed over the years as detention numbers and White House priorities shifted. During Trump's previous administration, judges were given specific targets for how many cases they had to decide.

Immigration courts handle life-changing decisions about whether people can stay in America, seek asylum, or face deportation. The wholesale replacement of judges raises questions about the independence and fairness of these crucial proceedings.