Story perspectives

DHS Dismisses Immigration Judges Amid Controversial Deportation Rulings

4/15/2026

Center

Judges Dismissed Over Deportations

The Department of Homeland Security dismissed Roopal Patel, an immigration judge, who had ruled against deporting Rümeysa Öztürk.
The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed the dismissals as part of a trend of over 100 removals since U.S. President Donald Trump resumed office.
The dismissals include Judge Nina Froes, who blocked deportation for a Palestinian activist.
The Department of Homeland Security is appealing Patel's decision regarding Öztürk.

Left

Zeldin's Deregulation Impact

Lee Zeldin, the EPA chief, has pursued aggressive deregulation of environmental protections, drawing criticism.
Advocates such as Adrienne Espostito warn that climate-regulation rollbacks could devastate coastal communities.
Zeldin’s actions, including repealing the endangerment finding, are projected to raise food insecurity and cause about 200,000 additional deaths from pollution.
Zeldin recently spoke at a Heartland Institute conference, where he received a standing ovation, signaling alignment with anti-environmental activists.

1 of 2

Judges Dismissed Over Deportations

The Department of Homeland Security dismissed Roopal Patel, an immigration judge, who had ruled against deporting Rümeysa Öztürk.
The National Association of Immigration Judges confirmed the dismissals as part of a trend of over 100 removals since U.S. President Donald Trump resumed office.
The dismissals include Judge Nina Froes, who blocked deportation for a Palestinian activist.
The Department of Homeland Security is appealing Patel's decision regarding Öztürk.

1 / 2