The Trump administration has appointed 33 new immigration judges, most with military experience, following the removal of over 100 prior judges.
The appointments aim to strengthen “deportation courts” amid a backlog of 3.2 million cases. Fast-track appeals rules are expected to accelerate removals nationwide, signaling a more aggressive federal approach to immigration enforcement.
New Judges Join Immigration Courts Nationwide
The Justice Department has sworn in 33 new immigration judges, including 27 temporary judges eligible to serve up to six months. These appointments follow earlier October hires and come after over 100 judges were removed or resigned, reshaping the federal immigration court workforce.
The new judges will serve in key states including Arizona, California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Washington. Their arrival is intended to support the administration’s priority of increasing deportations and reducing the backlog of pending cases, with many appointees bringing military experience to the bench.
Military Backgrounds Highlighted in Appointments
Half of the permanent judges have prior military service, while all temporary judges are veterans or Defense Department lawyers temporarily assigned to immigration courts.
The Pentagon previously indicated that military and civilian lawyers would assist as the administration ramps up deportation hearings.
This focus on military experience aligns with the administration’s emphasis on national security and law enforcement credibility. Critics warn that this approach may affect the fairness of proceedings and raise concerns for migrants facing removal.
Backlogs and Mandatory Detention
Policies’ Immigration courts are handling about 3.2 million pending cases, worsened by increased arrests and stricter mandatory detention policies.
Many migrants who could previously be released on bond now face mandatory detention after a Board of Immigration Appeals ruling narrowed eligibility.
While the new judges are expected to help handle the backlog, the removal of hundreds of prior judges has already strained court capacity. Advocates warn that this may limit due process and delay hearings, particularly for migrants without legal representation.
Fast-Track Appeals Rule Planned
The Trump administration is preparing a fast-track regulation that would limit appeals of immigration judge decisions to 10 days and make it easier for the appeals board to dismiss cases. Second, this is likely to speed up deportations and limit challenges to removal orders.
Experts say that bringing in judges with military backgrounds and speeding up appeals could change court outcomes, potentially affecting migrants’ access to prompt legal help.
A Look Ahead
The new appointments and upcoming fast-track rules show the Trump administration’s strong push to increase deportation court capacity. Lawyers, advocates, and states are expected to closely watch the effects on fairness, court efficiency, and access to justice for migrants across the country.
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