Chloe Dillon, a former San Francisco immigration judge, has filed a federal lawsuit, alleging unfair dismissal by the Department of Justice (DOJ) after raising concerns about ICE’s operations and tactics. Dillon is among 14 judges removed since President Donald Trump assumed office in January 2025, enforcing a strict immigration policy crucial to his 2024 reelection bid.
Dillon, the first to contest her firing in court, communicated to Newsweek, highlighting the compromised impartiality of immigration courts. She stated that this matter affects everyone directly or in their community.
The lawsuit targets Attorney General Todd Blanche, the DOJ, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a DOJ sub-agency, as well as its acting director, Sirce Owen. However, the DOJ has refuted the claims. A spokesperson shared with NBC that while they typically refrain from commenting on active litigation, the allegations are deemed “patently false.” The DOJ reassured of restoring integrity post-Biden administration’s lenient immigration policies.
In her lawsuit, Dillon claims her dismissal was unlawful, retaliating against her concerns regarding ICE’s enforcement actions and wrong directives affecting court proceedings. Notably, she raised issues when allegedly ICE unlawfully detained a minor, leading to her termination without cause, notice, or an opportunity to defend her constitutional rights.
Dillon, appointed by Biden in September 2022, served until August 2025. Before her judgeship, she worked extensively as a federal public defender in San Diego. Her dispute further alleges instruction to routinely approve ICE motions to transfer cases—contrary to legal due process. When objected, Dillon reported receiving warnings about the White House’s scrutiny of her dissent.
Dillon emphasized the legal contradiction and disruption caused by such ICE operations, especially involving minors protected under DOJ agreements. San Francisco’s immigration court official closure after multiple firings underscores the systemic turmoil.
Concerns on ICE Operations
Recent polling reveals Trump’s diminished grip on immigration issues amid rising concerns about ICE. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from August exhibits a narrow lead for Republicans over Democrats in immigration policy approval, marking Trump’s weakest performance in this area.
High-profile incidents since Trump’s second term commencement have spotlighted these concerns. Early in the year, fallout from ICE’s Metro Surge operation resulted in the fatal shooting of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Furthermore, a Colombian’s death in July marked the ongoing deadly force concerns under Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown.
Moreover, ICE custody has seen alarming death rates, with at least 30 individuals dying in 2025—the highest since 2004. Concerns are similarly voiced about minors’ detention, reported by The Guardian, with thousands documented in family detention, some as young as a year old.
What Happens Next
Through her lawsuit, Dillon seeks reinstatement, financial compensation, and recovery of lost benefits. She anticipates the DOJ’s formal response within 60 days, followed by potential discovery opportunities in the legal process.
Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Dave Siminoff remain in contact regarding developments.