‘Everyone has a breaking point’: the immigration judges at the sharp end of Trump’s deportation drive
Summary
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired or pushed out over 113 immigration judges and replaced them with military lawyers and political appointees as part of a stricter deportation effort. Some judges say this move pressures courts to support government enforcement goals and threatens their independence.Key Facts
- David Koelsch is a former immigration judge who resigned amid pressure from the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
- He witnessed federal agents in tactical gear using teargas during an incident in Minneapolis.
- The Trump administration fired more than 113 immigration judges and offered buyouts to others starting in early 2025.
- Many judges targeted by the administration had higher rates of granting asylum.
- Some judges report that political pressure is increasing to make courts support tougher immigration enforcement.
- Koelsch also criticized the Biden administration for removing immigration cases from courts mainly to reduce case backlogs.
- Judges and former judges spoke anonymously due to fear of retaliation.
- Koelsch now teaches law and works for a faith-based group helping refugees.
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