Trump admin. has fired four S.F. immigration judges since April

The Trump administration has terminated four immigration judges in San Francisco since April, creating nine vacancies across 26 courtrooms. Judge Ila Deiss was dismissed on Thursday, while Judges Roger Dinh, Elisa Brasil, and Jami Vigil were fired earlier in April. Notably, Deiss granted asylum or another form of relief in 93. 7% of her cases, well above the national average of 42. 3%.

Brasil and Vigil also achieved high asylum approval rates of 98. 7% and 97%, respectively. In contrast, Dinh's approval rate was significantly lower at 34. 6%. These dismissals coincide with reports of ICE arresting asylum-seekers during court hearings.

Milli Atkinson, an immigration specialist, noted that another judge, Kyra Lilien, was also fired this week in Concord. The Executive Office for Immigration Review has not commented on the firings.