Trump admin. purportedly fires S.F. immigration judge with high asylum rate

The Department of Justice has dismissed Judge Chloe S. Dillon, whose 96. 5% asylum grant rate made her a standout in San Francisco’s immigration court. This move follows the firing of four other judges in the area under the Trump administration, all known for their above-average asylum approval rates. Dillon's termination occurs outside the typical two-year probation period for immigration judges, raising questions about its motivations.

Immigration judges, classified as employees of the Justice Department, lack the protections afforded to judges in the judicial branch, making them vulnerable to political pressures. Dillon's courtroom reflected the harsh realities faced by asylum-seekers, with arrests occurring outside the courtroom despite judges denying federal motions to dismiss cases. The Justice Department and local court officials have not provided comments regarding this dismissal, and Dillon remains listed in the staff directory. The firings contribute to a growing backlog of 3. 5 million immigration cases nationally, prompting concerns from judges about political interference.

Critics argue that the firings undermine the integrity of the immigration court system.