Former Immigration Judge Sues DOJ After Alleged Unlawful Dismissal
Background of the Case
Chloe Dillon, a former immigration judge in San Francisco, has initiated a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice (DOJ). She claims her dismissal was due to her raising concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices. Dillon is among 14 judges who have been dismissed since President Donald Trump resumed office in January 2025. His strict immigration policy was crucial for his reelection in 2024.
Dillon stated, “It is important for people to know that the immigration courts no longer exist as an unbiased forum.”
Her lawsuit targets Attorney General Todd Blanche and the DOJ, alongside the Executive Office for Immigration Review and its acting director, Sirce Owen.
DOJ’s Response
The DOJ has denied Dillon’s allegations. A spokesperson, speaking to NBC, characterized the claims as “patently false”. They emphasized restoring integrity to the immigration system, contrasting the previous administration’s policies.
In her suit, Dillon alleges her firing was unlawful, occurring after she raised issues about what she believed were improper ICE actions.
Specific Allegations
Dillon cited an incident on August 20, where she emailed her supervisor about ICE allegedly unlawfully detaining an unaccompanied minor. She claims she was fired “without cause” just two days later, without notice or a chance to defend herself.
According to her, the termination breached her “constitutional due process rights” and “First Amendment rights,” pointing to perceived political bias.
Dillon had served as a judge since September 2022, following a decade as a federal public defender in San Diego. Her suit also mentions that in April 2025, instructions were given to judges to consistently approve ICE’s motions for case transfers, which she opposed.
She claimed her supervisor cautioned her about pushing back, stating “the White House” was monitoring the situation.
Dillon told Newsweek: “The idea that ICE motions to change venue should always be granted is contrary to law and offends due process.”
San Francisco Immigration Court Closure
San Francisco’s immigration court recently closed after numerous firings and retirements.
Public Concerns on ICE Operations
Recent events have brought ICE operations under scrutiny, affecting public opinion. An August Reuters/Ipsos poll showed a decline in support for Trump’s immigration policies.
This year, several controversial ICE operations have occurred. The ‘Metro Surge’ operation in Minneapolis resulted in the death of two U.S. citizens in January. More recently, the fatal shooting of Colombian national Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero marked the ninth such incident under Trump’s policy.
Concerns have also been raised over deaths in ICE custody. In 2025, 30 people reportedly died in custody, the highest number since 2004. By mid-2026, 18 deaths were recorded. Additionally, the detention of minors has increased, with around 3,800 children detained from January to October 2025.
Dillon’s Legal Goals
Dillon seeks reinstatement, back pay, lost benefits, and damages. She expects the government to respond within 60 days before further legal procedures proceed.
Newsweek has sought further comments from involved parties.