Trump Administration Hires 42 New Immigration Judges

0:00On March 12, the Justice Department just swore in 42 new immigration judges this week many with backgrounds and enforcement and prosecution. This move helps the Trump administration reshape the immigration court system to better match its deportation priorities. These judges will work in courts across 17 states, including California, Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Texas. They join 20 other permanent hires announced since October, plus dozens of temporary judges, often with military experience. Immigration judges fall under the Justice Department, not the federal courts, so the administration claims the right to replace them. Since taking office last year, more than 100 have been fired, with a similar number leaving through buyouts, resignations, or retirements out, of about 700 total. Most of the new judges come straight from the Department of Homeland Security or Immigration and Customs Enforcement. For instance, one headed to New York previously backed tough immigration stances as a state

1:01lawmaker. This hiring push aims to cut the massive court backlog by bringing in what officials call highly qualified talent focused on the law. As cases pile up, these changes signal a sharper edge to enforcement ahead.