US Immigration Judges Removal Sparks UN Criticism

A United Nations Human Rights Council panel of independent experts warned on Thursday that the Trump administration’s removal of more than 100 immigration judges is undermining the independence of the U.S. immigration courts and the broader justice system. The panel called for an end to what it described as "mass arbitrary removal" and warned that the politicization of the courts could turn the system into an instrument for deportation objectives.

U.S. Department of Justice officials said the agency regularly evaluates judges on conduct and impartiality, asserting that any bias would be addressed to preserve the system’s integrity. The American Immigration Lawyers Association noted that roughly 100 of the roughly 700 judges have been fired or pressured to leave since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, reducing capacity as immigration arrests and deportations rise. Several former judges have filed wrongful‑termination suits. The latest reports indicate two additional immigration judges in New York City were dismissed, adding to the ongoing controversy.

The UN panel communicated its concerns to the United States, urging the administration to halt the dismissals and restore judicial independence.