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

The Department of Justice fired Judge Chloe S. Dillon, who granted asylum in 96. 5% of her cases, the second-highest rate among San Francisco immigration judges. This dismissal comes after the Trump administration terminated four other judges in the area, all known for their high asylum approval rates. Dillon's firing contradicts typical protocols, as she was beyond the usual two-year probation period for immigration judges, raising questions about the motives behind her dismissal.

The Justice Department did not comment on the situation, and Dillon remained listed in the staff directory as of Friday evening. Under the Trump administration, more than 50 immigration judges have been fired this year despite a staggering backlog of about 3. 5 million immigration cases. Judges in San Francisco often deny federal motions to dismiss, leading to the arrest of asylum-seekers outside courtrooms. Dillon's courtroom witnessed one such incident recently, which escalated into a chaotic scene involving ICE agents and protesters.

Immigration judges have spoken out against these firings, suggesting they are politically motivated and detrimental to the asylum process.