<h1>Administration fires 17 immigration judges without cause amid enforcement crackdown, worsening 3.5 million case backlog</h1> The current administration terminated 17 immigration court judges across 10 states, with 15 dismissed on Friday and two on Monday, according to their union. The union characterized these as firings 'without cause' occurring in California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. This action coincides with increased immigration enforcement efforts and arrests at courthouses. The union reports over 103 judges have been fired or voluntarily departed since the administration began, potentially worsening the existing 3.5 million case backlog despite congressional authorization for 800 judges and increased funding.