Two former immigration judges have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, alleging discrimination based on political affiliation, race, sex, and previous ties to immigrant advocacy organizations. Carla Espinoza, who was appointed as an immigration judge in August 2023 and removed the following August, claims her dismissal was influenced by her history as an immigration lawyer and her background. The National Association of Immigration Judges states that 113 judges have been removed during Trump’s presidency. Espinoza’s lawsuit cites a shift in DOJ policy that characterized immigrant advocacy groups as “extremist” and disproportionately affected women and people of color. A second judge, Kyra Lilien, also accused the administration of removing her due to similar biases and alleged that she was not converted to a permanent position after her probationary term ended in 2025, contrary to established procedures.
Why It Matters
The lawsuits highlight ongoing concerns about the fairness and diversity of the U.S. immigration judiciary under the Trump administration. During his presidency, the administration implemented policies that aimed to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which critics argue disproportionately impacted marginalized groups. The removal of judges with immigrant rights backgrounds raises questions about the administration’s commitment to impartiality in immigration cases. These legal actions may set precedents regarding employment discrimination within federal agencies and emphasize the impact of political affiliations on judicial appointments.
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