Trump’s Justice Department dismisses 20 immigration judges appointed during Biden’s final days in office, mirroring a similar move by the previous administration.
Key Takeaways
- Trump administration removed 20 “midnight” immigration judges appointed by Biden
- 13 judges hired in late December and early January were dismissed
- 7 assistant chief immigration judges were also removed
- This action mirrors a similar move by the Biden administration in 2021
- The Trump Justice Department views its actions as consistent with the precedent set by Biden
Trump Administration Reverses Biden’s Late-Term Judicial Appointments
In a decisive move, the Trump administration has removed 20 immigration judges appointed by the Biden administration during its final days in office. This action, which includes the dismissal of 13 judges hired in late December and early January, along with seven assistant chief immigration judges, mirrors a similar step taken by the Biden administration in 2021 when it removed many Trump-appointed judges from immigration courts.
Trump DOJ fires 20 Biden immigration judgeshttps://t.co/Yf4c4tGlWk pic.twitter.com/lTVEQuYz1L
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 17, 2025
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), traditionally considered apolitical, has become a battleground for competing immigration policies. By 2023, the Biden administration had replaced six of the ten senior executive positions at EOIR, signaling a shift in the office’s direction.
Precedent and Justification
The Trump Justice Department defends its actions as consistent with the precedent set by the Biden administration. A senior department official stated, “The Biden administration set a precedent by terminating numerous immigration judges during their term or trial periods for the first time in EOIR history. So, it’s not surprising that EOIR is following that precedent.”
This statement underscores the cyclical nature of political appointments and removals in the immigration court system. It’s worth noting that immigration judges are employees of EOIR and not part of the regular court system, which allows for such personnel changes with shifts in administration.
Impact on Immigration Policy
The removal of these judges, who had not yet undergone training or heard cases, follows the dismissal of Biden-installed leadership at EOIR. This includes the acting director, chief immigration judge, general counsel, and head of policy. Such sweeping changes indicate a significant shift in the approach to immigration cases and policy implementation.
Among those fired was Kerry Doyle, a former critic of ICE who was appointed as ICE’s principal legal adviser. The Biden administration had attempted to convert Doyle’s position from a political appointee to a regular civil service role, a move that was ultimately unsuccessful.
Looking Ahead
As the Trump administration reshapes the immigration judiciary, questions arise about the long-term implications for immigration policy and case rulings. The cyclical nature of these appointments and removals highlights the increasingly politicized nature of immigration courts and the challenges in maintaining consistency in immigration law enforcement across changing administrations.
With these changes, the immigration court system is likely to see a shift in how cases are handled and decided, potentially aligning more closely with the Trump administration’s immigration priorities. As the situation continues to develop, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the broader landscape of U.S. immigration policy and enforcement.
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Trump DOJ fires 20 Biden immigration judges
