The administration of President Donald Trump fired the luneEight immigration judges in New York were dismissed. The dismissals took place at 26 Federal Plaza, headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, amid a government effort to expedite deportations.
According to reports from The New York TimesThese dismissals are part of a reorganization affecting immigration courts nationwide. Among those laid off is Amiena A. Khan, assistant supervisor of the court, which has a panel of 34 judges.
Union representatives indicate that approximately 90 judges have been removed from their posts in the United States this year. Of those, 36 have already been replaced, including two in New York City itself. This move has resulted in a significant staff reduction in one of the country's busiest districts.
Unions and former judges denounce internal pressure
Several labor unions and former judges believe the dismissals target officials perceived as too lenient in their decisions. They explain that this selection process could create an atmosphere of fear among those who still...cupin their positions.
“All the judges are now speculating about who will be next and the impact that may have on their ability to remain impartial and do their job fairly.”Carmen María Rey Caldas, a former judge dismissed in August, stated.
The statements They raise the debate about the independence of immigration courts, a system already overwhelmed by pending cases and by the continuous changes imposed from Washington.
Protests amid renewed migration tensions
The layoffs coincided with a protest in Lower Manhattan, where nearly 200 people gathered to try to prevent a possible ICE raid. The protesters denounced the increase in operations and demanded greater protection for immigrant communities.
The climate in the city reflects the intensification of the government's immigration policies. Trump has repeatedly questioned so-called sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local authorities and the federal government on immigration matters.
New York is among the main cities that maintain this type of regulation, a point that has generated constant clashes between local leaders and the White House.
A shift towards stricter judges
Sources close to the process say the president is looking to replace the dismissed officials with individuals more aligned with his immigration priorities. According to these same sources, the intention is to expedite deportation decisions and tighten asylum application procedures, an area where further restrictions are expected.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the courts will be reorganized and what impact this measure will have on the thousands of pending cases in the city.