The Quiet Purge: Immigration Judges Are Being Fired—And No One Is Talking About It
- becoolwithbob
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
From the Desk of Your Houston Immigration Attorney
As your dedicated advocate here in Houston, I’m compelled to bring attention to a troubling development that may seem distant—but carries deep implications for due process and justice for our community.
A Surge in Judge Firings—Now Exceeding 50 Nationwide
In recent months, more than 50 federal immigration judges have been suddenly terminated, abruptly reassigned, or resigned—often without cause or explanation. As reported by the AP:
Legislators and former judges have denounced the firings as politically motivated and disruptive to the courts during a time of overwhelming case backlogs. AP News
An earlier wave included 20 more judges removed under similar circumstances, even as the Justice Department was requesting funding to address court backlogs. Politico
Case Study—Chicago Judges Speak Out
Two former judges from Chicago, Jennifer Peyton and Carla Espinoza, have courageously spoken out:
Peyton was fired via email while on vacation, two weeks after hosting Senator Dick Durbin at the court. “No cause, no notice, no reason,” she says. FedNews NetworkChicago Sun-TimesCBS News
Espinoza, terminated mid-docket, noted that women and minority judges appear to be disproportionately affected. ABC7 Chicago
Senator Durbin himself called the removals an “abuse of power,” raising concerns about political interference undermining our courts. AP News
Backlogs + Firings = Crisis for Due Process
These firings occur at a time when U.S. immigration courts face a staggering backlog—now over 3.5 million pending cases. AxiosAP NewsPoliticoCT Insider
Reducing the number of judges and court staff only worsens delays and erodes the fair hearing rights of individuals fighting for their future.
A Fog of Transparency—No Accountability, Huge Risks
The lack of clear rationale for these terminations raises critical questions:
Were these removals performance-based—or political?
Are experienced judges being swept aside for ideological or political motives?
And how are communities served by these courts being affected—in terms of fairness and access to justice?
Why Houston Should Care
As Houston immigration attorneys, we stand at the center of the migrant community’s fight for due process. These judge firings:
Delay hearings for vulnerable families
Increase uncertainty and fear in enforcement climates
Undermine the integrity of the immigration legal system
What We Must Demand—And How We Can Act
As your legal counsel, I’m urging:
Transparency: Public explanations for personnel changes
Restoration of judicial capacity: Appoint qualified judges, not dismiss them
Protection from interference: Immigration courts must remain impartial, not political
If you or your family are navigating immigration court proceedings—especially amid this volatile environment—get in touch. As your local Houston attorney, I’m committed to fighting for your rights when justice systems fall short.
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