What raised even more eyebrows were reports that some judges received their dismissal emails at unusual hours — between midnight and 3 a.m. — with no explanation or follow-up instructions.
A few claimed the messages vanished from their government inboxes within minutes, as if someone had tried to erase any record of them. Those strange details fueled speculation that the shake-up was far more coordinated than the administration publicly acknowledged.
The Trump administration has removed roughly 50 immigration judges and pushed another 50 to retire or accept reassignment, a sweeping restructuring presented as a way to speed up processing and reduce a backlog of nearly 3 million cases, according to El País.
The notices arrived through brief, unceremonious emails — an administrative whisper that signaled a much louder shift within the immigration court system.
Several judges say they were targeted because of their rulings. Judge Jennifer Peyton described the termination notice as “stunning,” calling the decision politically motivated. Sen. Dick Durbin labeled the mass removals an “abuse of power,” raising concerns about judicial independence.
Inside the courts, uncertainty continues to grow. The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed that morale has plummeted, warning that “a sense of fear is spreading” among those who remain. Former judge Carla Espinoza also reported facing discrimination when the administration opted not to renew her contract.
Administration officials deny any political motives, insisting the changes are aimed at increasing efficiency, improving performance, and “restoring public confidence” in the system. Supporters of the overhaul argue that it was long overdue, claiming that “the era of activist judges obstructing border enforcement has come to an end.”
🔹 Conclusion
As the fallout continues, the broader impact on the immigration system remains uncertain. Critics warn that removing seasoned judges could destabilize an already strained infrastructure, while supporters view the sweep as necessary reform.
What’s undeniable is that the unprecedented scale and secrecy surrounding the dismissals have left a fractured judiciary and raised deeper questions about transparency, intent, and the future direction of America’s immigration courts.