The Department of Justice (DOJ) has fired multiple immigration judges in a move that is expected to further slow down an already overwhelmed immigration system. Since January 20, Trump’s first day in office, a union representing immigration judges has reported that more than two dozen immigration judges, managers, and new hires have been dismissed. This includes five mid-level assistant chief immigration judges and 13 candidates who received termination notices last Friday.
Controversial Firings Amidst a Case Backlog
One of the more notable terminations is that of Kerry Doyle, who was recently appointed as an immigration judge by President Biden. Doyle has publicly criticized the firing, stating “This firing occurred despite the fact that the Immigration Court currently has in the neighborhood of 3.5 million pending cases and DOJ is asking Congress for more money to hire people at the Executive Office of Immigration Review.” She alleges that the decision was politically motivated, which has sparked further debate.
Federal Enforcement and Immigration Crackdowns
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues its aggressive stance on immigration enforcement. Border Czar Tom Homan has been coordinating with various federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FBI, to assist ICE in mass deportation operations. These actions align with Trump’s broader agenda of tightening immigration controls and reducing the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
In another major legal move, Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced a lawsuit against the state of New York, targeting its 2019 ‘Green Light Law,’ which allows immigrants– regardless of their status—to obtain a driver’s license. Bondi argues that this law obstructs federal immigration enforcement and poses significant security risks.
This lawsuit is part of a broader federal effort to challenge sanctuary city policies. Trump has repeatedly vowed to crack down on sanctuary jurisdictions that limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. As part of this effort, Bondi has put a freeze on DOJ funding to sanctuary cities, reinforcing the administration’s hardline stance.
The Legal Battle Over Immigration Policy
Bondi’s lawsuit specifically names New York Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, and Motor Vehicle Commissioner Mark Schroeder as defendants. The suit claims that New York’s policies prioritize undocumented immigrants over American citizens, allowing individuals with violent records to enter communities to contribute to crime and drug proliferation.
Despite these claims, New York officials remain defiant. Sanctuary city mayors from Chicago, Denver, and New York City have confirmed their participation in an upcoming hearing before the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 5, where they are expected to defend their policies.
Bondi’s lawsuit follows a similar case previously brought against Illinois, which was met with legal challenges from federal judges. Trump has acknowledged judicial pushback on his immigration policies but has vowed to continue exploring legal avenues to challenge rulings that go against his administration’s objectives.
What Lies Ahead?
The combination of large-scale firings of immigration judges, increased deportation efforts, and legal battles over sanctuary city policies sets the stage for continued conflict in U.S. immigration policy. As the backlog of cases grows and legal disputes intensify, the nation will have to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement, judicial independence, and federal versus state authority.
With hearings and legal challenges ahead, the battle over immigration policy is far from over. Whether these actions will lead to improved border security and a streamlined immigration system—or further delays and chaos—remains to be seen.
With the recent DOJ firings of immigration judges, mounting case backlogs, and ongoing legal battles over immigration policies, navigating the U.S. immigration system has never been more challenging. At Berardi Immigration Law, our experienced attorneys stay ahead of these changes to provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to your immigration needs. Whether you’re seeking employment-based solutions, family petitions, or legal strategies to adapt to shifting policies, we are here to help. Contact us today to ensure you’re prepared for the road ahead.
Immigration policies and enforcement actions are constantly evolving. The information in this post reflects the latest updates as of 2/18/2025. We encourage readers to stay informed and consult with legal professionals for the most up-to-date guidance on immigration-related matters.
Disclosure: This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change and individual cases may vary. For personalized guidance and assistance with your immigration needs, consult a qualified immigration attorney
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