The Trump administration’s removal of more than 100 immigration judges has raised concerns among UN experts, who argue that this move undermines the independence of the courts and the US justice system. These judges, who are employees of the Justice Department, hear deportation cases, including migrants’ petitions for asylum and other protections from removal.

Concerns Over Court Independence

The UN panel has called for the administration to stop the mass removal of immigration judges, citing concerns that the judges were being targeted based on their perceived political affiliation, professional background, or adjudicative record. The experts believe that these removals have immediate and severe consequences, transforming the immigration court system into an instrument for implementing deportation objectives rather than a forum for independent, individualized adjudication.

The US Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security have not responded to requests for comment. Over 100 immigration judges out of approximately 700 have been fired or pushed out since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. This has reduced the number of judges available to handle a surge in cases as the administration increases arrests and deportations.

Several former immigration judges have sued the Justice Department for wrongful termination, further highlighting the controversy surrounding the removals. The situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the administration’s handling of immigration cases.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.