Several immigration judges with backgrounds in immigrant defense have been terminated by the Department of Justice, often without explanation, during their probationary period. These firings have occurred in the midst of ongoing immigration court proceedings and often target judges at the end of their two-year trial period. The firings have prompted concerns, and an analysis shows that judges with prior experience defending immigrants have been disproportionately affected. The DOJ maintains it does not target judges based on experience, while the ongoing terminations and subsequent hiring practices suggest a shift towards judges with backgrounds in enforcement.
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Video footage captured a concerning incident at a New York City immigration court where masked ICE agents reportedly grabbed and shoved journalists. One reporter from amNewYork was grabbed, while another photographer was shoved to the ground, resulting in injuries to a freelance photographer who was transported on a stretcher. The incident occurred while the journalists were documenting an arrest of an immigrant from Peru, leading to condemnation from immigration groups and Democratic politicians, who are calling for accountability and the removal of ICE agents from immigration courts. The Department of Homeland Security has responded by citing safety concerns for officers and blaming agitators.
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The Trump administration ended a contract with the Acacia Center for Justice, eliminating legal aid for approximately 26,000 unaccompanied migrant children. This action leaves vulnerable children to navigate the complex immigration court system alone, despite legal protections afforded them under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2008. While the government claims it still meets legal requirements, the termination raises serious concerns about the well-being of these children. The contract’s end, cited as “for the Government’s convenience,” comes just days before its renewal date, prompting fears of a complete system collapse.
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John Q. Hosedrinker