Former Immigration Judge Sues DOJ Over Alleged Political Purge

Kyra Lilien, a former federal immigration judge, filed a lawsuit in Oakland federal court against the U.S. Department of Justice and Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. Lilien alleges she was dismissed from her probationary position in July 2025 because she is a woman over 40, a registered Democrat, and an advocate for immigrants' rights.

The lawsuit claims Lilien's termination was part of a systematic purge of female and diversity-focused federal workers under the second Trump administration. Specifically, Lilien asserts that all six female judges at the Concord immigration court were removed while four white male judges were retained. The complaint cites memoranda from Sirce Owen, the former acting director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, which labeled immigrant-advocacy groups as extremist leftist organizations.

Legal counsel for Lilien argues the dismissals were politically motivated efforts to ensure judges deported more people. The National Association of Immigration Judges reports that 115 immigration judges have been fired or denied permanent positions without cause during this administration. The Department of Justice has declined to comment on the specific case, though it has argued in separate litigation that it possesses the constitutional authority to terminate employees without administrative appeals. Lilien is seeking damages, back pay, and an injunction to prevent future discriminatory terminations.