Trump administration appoints immigration judges amid deportation push

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed a new group of immigration judges as part of its broader push to accelerate deportations across the country. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the hiring of 33 immigration judges, many of whom have backgrounds in law enforcement or the military.

Officials said a significant portion of the newly appointed judges will serve in temporary roles. Some military and civilian lawyers have been recruited to help fill these positions as the administration seeks to increase the capacity of immigration courts and speed up deportation proceedings.

The move follows the dismissal or departure of a large number of immigration judges in recent months. According to immigration law groups, more than 100 judges have been fired or pushed out since Trump returned to office in January 2025, reducing the size of the immigration court system while the government ramps up arrests and deportations.

The Trump administration argues that the new appointments will help restore efficiency and strengthen enforcement of immigration laws. Immigration judges play a crucial role in the system, as they decide whether migrants can remain in the United States or must be deported, making the courts central to the administration’s immigration strategy.