Fired Biden judge lashes out at Trump: ‘It was political’

An immigration judge appointed by former President Joe Biden is speaking out after being abruptly fired by President Donald Trump, sparking concerns about the politicization of the nation’s immigration system. Judge Kerry Doyle, who worked in Massachusetts, was one of over 20 immigration judges who were dismissed without explanation, leaving many questioning the motives behind the decision.

Doyle, who previously helped lead a court challenge against Trump’s 2017 travel ban, expressed her dismay at the decision, calling it “political” and warning that it could erode public trust in the immigration system. She emphasized that judges like herself are meant to serve the public and uphold the Constitution, rather than advance a political agenda.

The firing of these judges has raised alarms about the already sizable backlog of immigration cases, with each judge typically handling hundreds of cases per year. The International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers President Matthew Biggs criticized the move as hypocritical, noting that the need for more judges to address the backlog is at odds with the decision to dismiss experienced judges.

Massachusetts, in particular, faces a backlog of about 160,000 cases, and the sudden dismissal of judges like Doyle could further strain an already overburdened system. Doyle pointed out that redistributing cases among the remaining judges will only add to their workload and prolong the wait times for individuals seeking resolution.

While it is not uncommon for new administrations to replace judges appointed by their predecessors, Doyle acknowledged that President Biden’s decision to dismiss a Trump-appointed judge was likely less politically motivated. She noted that each president seeks to have judges who align with their agenda, but she expressed concern that the recent firings could hinder the fair treatment of individuals navigating the immigration system.

As the debate over immigration policy continues, the impact of these firings on the efficiency and integrity of the immigration court system remains to be seen. It is essential for the administration to prioritize the timely resolution of cases and ensure that the judicial process is free from political interference.