Trump's Federal Layoffs Undermine Immigration Court System

Mass firings of immigration judges and staff are exacerbating case backlogs, complicating deportation efforts, and raising concerns over political motivations.

Over 100 immigration officials, including 43 judges and 85 administrative staff, have been terminated or resigned under the Trump administration's workforce reduction initiatives.
The U.S. immigration court system faces a backlog of 3.7 million cases, with the loss of judges and staff further delaying deportation proceedings and straining resources.
Critics argue that the layoffs, which include Biden-era appointees, reflect political motivations and undermine the administration's stated goal of expediting deportations.
The Justice Department has rescinded protections for immigration judges, heightening fears of political influence and further destabilizing the court system.
Legal experts warn that the firings and policy shifts could collapse the already overburdened immigration court system, leaving thousands of cases unresolved for years.