Trump administration taps Army Reserve and National Guard for temporary immigration judges
October 2, 2025
The Trump administration is tapping National Guard and Army Reserve lawyers to be temporary immigration judges after firing dozens of existing judges. It’s the latest step in a broader plan that experts warn could harm immigration courts and the military justice system. About 100 Army Reserve lawyers will be in the first group to serve. The move comes as President Donald Trump cracks down on illegal immigration and increasingly leans on the military for help. Immigration experts say more experience is needed to be an immigration judge. They also fear Trump is trying to hold sway over their decisions.