868: The Hand That Rocks The Gavel

This episode of "This American Life" delves into the experiences of immigration judges and the changes they've witnessed within the U.S. immigration court system, particularly during the Trump administration. The episode highlights how policies and directives have allegedly undermined judicial independence, pressured judges to favor deportations, and created a system prioritizing detention over due process. Judges describe feeling pressured by accusatory memos, the threat of firings, and the increasing presence of ICE agents in courthouses. The story also presents the perspective of a former ICE official who argues that detention is the most effective way to ensure deportations. The episode concludes with the story of David, an asylum seeker from Ecuador, whose case illustrates how the system can quickly deport individuals without due process, even when they have legitimate claims and follow legal procedures.