Judges Speak Out Against Trump Administration Firings
This month, a trio of immigration judges, unceremoniously dismissed via email by the Trump Administration, took to CBS Evening News to voice their grievances. Their claims are part of a broader trend that has seen over 100 immigration judges either fired or resign since Trump’s inauguration.
In a particularly busy July, 20 judges were let go, a move that raises eyebrows about the administration’s approach to immigration law enforcement.
Claims of Political Pressure
Three of the judges—George Pappas, Jennifer Peyton, and Carla Espinoza—spoke candidly about their abrupt terminations. They alleged that the Trump Administration exerted political pressure to influence judicial decisions, particularly regarding motions to dismiss cases.
“The way I was fired was arbitrary and unfair,” lamented George Pappas. “It feels like an assault on the rule of law. It’s an attack on judges.” His sentiments echo a larger concern about judicial independence in the face of political maneuvering.
Jennifer Peyton echoed similar frustrations, stating, “My termination notice was three sentences long. I received no justification whatsoever.” It’s a remarkable way to end a career—like receiving a breakup text after years of commitment.
Carla Espinoza added, “As judges, we felt a palpable fear. That’s a challenging environment for impartiality. While we tried to resist the pressures, they were undeniably present.” The weight of such pressure raises critical questions about the integrity of judicial processes within an overwhelmed court system.
Concerns Over Due Process
Peyton further expressed dismay over the treatment of individuals post-hearing, noting, “Once the undocumented individual left the courtroom, ICE would immediately handcuff them and take them away.” This raises urgent concerns regarding due process and the treatment of vulnerable populations.
Former immigration judges are speaking out after sudden firings by the Trump administration, alleging political pressure and threats to due process in an already overwhelmed court system. CBS News’ @MauriceDuboisTV sat down with three judges who were terminated in July by email. pic.twitter.com/4JMjZEpNxj
— CBS Evening News (@CBSEveningNews) July 24, 2025
A Brief Look at Their Tenure
According to CBS News, Pappas, Peyton, and Espinoza were all seasoned judges with substantial experience. Pappas presided over more than 2,000 cases in Boston, while Peyton managed Chicago’s immigration court for nearly nine years, making decisions on thousands of cases before her unexpected dismissal over the 4th of July weekend.
Espinoza, who was appointed in 2023, had already handled over 1,000 cases in just one fiscal year—double the average for immigration judges. It’s worth noting that these judges operate under the authority of the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, which has recently come under scrutiny for its handling of cases and treatment of judges.
