The Trump administration has dismissed at least six immigration judges in recent days, including two who previously ruled against deporting international students advocating for Palestinian rights. The firings, confirmed by the National Association of Immigration Judges, have raised questions about judicial independence and the administration's approach to immigration enforcement.
The two judges specifically cited are Judge Roopal Patel and Judge Nina Froes. Both had dismissed deportation cases involving students engaged in pro-Palestinian activism. Rumeysa Ozturk, a student at Tufts University, and Mohsen Mahdawi, a student at Columbia University and green card holder from the West Bank, were the individuals whose cases were handled by Patel and Froes, respectively.
Mahdawi, described by the Department of Homeland Security as a "terrorist sympathizer," allegedly made statements about having "considerable firearms experience" and a desire to "kill Jews while he was in Palestine." His case involved active participation in anti-Israel protests at Columbia University. Ozturk's case, which also faced opposition from some Jewish groups, was dismissed by Judge Patel in February, who stated that reports of the case in the news did not influence her decision. Judge Froes also maintained that she was unaware of Mahdawi's identity when his case was before her.
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"The administration has fired two immigration judges who earlier this year dismissed the deportation cases of students advocating for Palestinian rights, the union representing immigration judges confirmed Monday."
The dismissals appear to be part of a broader trend. According to the National Association of Immigration Judges, six judges were terminated this past weekend alone, and 113 immigration judges have been fired during the Trump administration. This comes even as the administration reportedly aims to increase deportations, with the Executive Office for Immigration Review posting openings for immigration judge positions in areas where judges have recently been let go.
The total number of immigration judges fired during the current Trump administration now stands at 113.
Eight immigration judges were reportedly put on leave and given termination notices around April 22, 2025.
The union representing immigration judges expressed concern that the firings contribute to an existing backlog of millions of cases.
The firings raise concerns about potential political interference in judicial decisions, particularly given the timing and the specific nature of the cases involved. While the Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review has not immediately responded to requests for comment, the dismissals signal a firm stance on immigration enforcement and potentially a scrutinizing eye on individuals involved in politically charged activism.
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