‘Everyone has a breaking point’: the immigration judges at the sharp end of Trump’s deportation drive
Key takeaways
- Since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired more than 113 immigration judges and pushed out others through buyouts and reassignments.
- He drove to Nicollet Avenue, parked a few blocks away, and walked toward the scene.
- I just went to stand and bear witness,” Koelsch said.
Why this matters: a developing story that could shape the day's news cycle.
Since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired more than 113 immigration judges and pushed out others through buyouts and reassignments. Illustration: Guardian Design / Getty Images View image in fullscreen Since January 2025, the Trump administration has fired more than 113 immigration judges and pushed out others through buyouts and reassignments. Illustration: Guardian Design / Getty Images US immigration‘Everyone has a breaking point’: the immigration judges at the sharp end of Trump’s deportation driveJudges have been fired or taken buyouts, and those remaining say they toe the government line
Lok DarjeeSat 9 May 2026 10.00 BSTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleDavid Koelsch, a former immigration judge based in Maryland, was in Minneapolis visiting his mother and sister the day Alex Pretti was shot and killed by federal agents. He drove to Nicollet Avenue, parked a few blocks away, and walked toward the scene.
“I didn’t go there to protest. I didn’t bring a sign. I didn’t bring anything. I just went to stand and bear witness,” Koelsch said.