A panel of independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council stated on Thursday that the removal of more than 100 U.S. immigration judges undermines the independence of the American justice system. The panel called for the Trump administration to cease the dismissals, which it characterized as arbitrary and politically motivated.
The experts expressed concern that judges were being removed based on perceived political affiliations or their past rulings. In a statement, the panel argued that these removals transform the immigration court system from an independent adjudicative body into an instrument for achieving deportation goals. The U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the report.
According to data from the American Immigration Lawyers Association, more than 100 of the approximately 700 existing immigration judges have been removed or pressured to leave since January 2025. The association stated these vacancies have reduced the capacity of the courts to manage a rising caseload as the administration increases enforcement and deportation actions. Several former judges have filed lawsuits against the Justice Department alleging wrongful termination.