Fired San Francisco Immigration Judge Sues DOJ, Alleges She Was Ousted for Challenging ICE

Chloe Dillon, a former San Francisco immigration judge appointed under the Biden administration, filed a federal lawsuit Sept. 10, 2026, alleging DOJ fired her without cause in August 2025 for raising concerns about ICE conduct, violating the Whistleblower Protection Act and her due-process and First Amendment rights. She alleges she emailed a supervisor Aug. 20, 2025, warning ICE had "unlawfully detained an unaccompanied minor" with a pending asylum claim, and was terminated "without cause" two days later, without notice or a hearing.

The suit, against Attorney General Todd Blanche and EOIR, also alleges a supervisor earlier warned her "the White House" was watching after she objected to a policy directing judges to routinely grant ICE venue-transfer requests. Dillon is one of 14 San Francisco immigration judges fired since January 2025; the city's immigration court closed entirely this month. DOJ called the allegations "patently false."

Dillon seeks reinstatement, back pay and damages; DOJ has about 60 days to respond.