“The Judges Were Fired… And Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes”

On July 11, 2025, federal immigration Judge George Pappas received an email stating that his term would no longer be extended. Since the start of the Trump presidency, over 100 immigration judges have either been fired, transferred, or resigned from their position across the United States.[1] In the month of July, Pappas was one of twenty immigration judges who received a three-sentence email from the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, with no formal reason given for their termination.

Judge Pappas was the judge of the immigration court in the small town where I reside. On August 3^rd, I attended a local town meeting to learn more about the recent events that occured. In the meeting, Pappas explained to us how he was given instruction by his assistant chief judge “to grant motions to dismiss when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were at the courthouse.”[2] The reason for this is because when a persons case is dismissed, they are no longer in immigration proceedings and immediately become vulnerable to arrest and deportation by ICE agents when they walk out the courtroom doors. This is a practice that has escalated in immigration courts across the country.[3]

Pappas described how the role of a judge is to keep “politics” out of the courtroom in order to remain a neutral, fair, and unbiased interpreter of the law. He shared, “when I came here, I wanted both parties to realize that they’re going to get respect, I’m going to listen to their arguments and I’m going to make a decision and when I make a decision, you’re going to know why.”[4] Pappas described how any external pressure or outside political interference in the courtroom is inappropriate, unwelcome, and violates the integrity of constitutional due process. Yet this directive comes as a result of the White House and Department of Homeland Security’s agenda to expedite the mass deportation of immigrants, regardless of the validity of their case. 

The pressure of the executive branch to influence how the judicial branch should rule undermines the separation of powers and violates the checks and balances upon which our nation is built. When one branch of government impinges itself upon the role or function of another, constitutional rights and protections begin to crumble and democracy is on the road to failure. According to Pappas, “the very institutions that glue our society together are melting in front of our eyes. Our institutions are under attack.”[5] Thus, the query of the David’s psalm seems relevant for today, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Ps. 11:3 (KJV)

The book of Judges tells us that, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”[6] Referring to the days prior to king Saul, the people of Israel were governed by judges, or military leaders whose role was to lead the people into obedience to the commands of God. The failure of these leaders would result in a lawless society and the moral corruption of the nation.

In the United States today we have no king, however we do have judges, senators, representatives, and a president whose responsibility is to lead our nation and obey the laws of our Bill of Rights and Constitution. This is essential to the preservation of the institution of American democracy, for it is through accountability, not coercion, that the strength of our nation is found. The firing of judges to accomplish the agenda of the executive branch is a severe violation to the right to due process by those entrusted to govern our society. The robbing of habeas corpus from immigrants today is a sign of a nation in moral decay.

The Proverbs provide us with wisdom on what it means to practice justice and judge righteously:

“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.” Pr. 22:22-23 (NIV)

“These also are sayings of the wise. Partiality in judging is not good.” Pr. 24:23 (ESV)

“If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.” Pr. 29:14 (ESV)

“Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Pr. 31:9 (ESV)

The Christian Scriptures are clear. True justice does not exploit the poor, but defends the rights of the needy in court. True righteousness does not show partiality but allows for a fair trial and a proper hearing on both sides of judicial matters.

A Christian ethic extends justice and righteousness to the poor and oppressed, recognizing the power imbalances that often persist against them. The instruction to violate the due process of immigrants is not reflective of the kingdom of Jesus, for it is justice and righteousness that characterize His everlasting throne.

May we take heed to the wisdom of the Proverbs, lest we become like the nations who do what is right in their own eyes. May we be a people who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.[7]