Government Lawyer Removed After Criticizing Immigration System in Court

Thu Feb 05 2026 01:04:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Julie Le, a government attorney, was removed from her position following remarks made in court where she expressed frustration over the immigration enforcement system during the Trump administration. Her comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by legal and immigration authorities in the US.

A government lawyer's candid remarks during a court hearing led to her removal from the Justice Department. Julie Le lamented the inefficiencies of the immigration system while handling multiple cases. Her comments illustrate ongoing frustrations within the legal framework concerning immigration enforcement operations, particularly in Minnesota. U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell addressed the compliance issues while highlighting the pressures on the federal court system under recent Trump-era policies.

WASHINGTON — A government lawyer faced removal from her position following blunt comments made during a court hearing related to immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Julie Le, who was temporarily assigned to the U.S. Attorney's office in Minnesota, expressed her dissatisfaction with the job during a hearing in St. Paul.

At the hearing, Le conveyed to U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell, What do you want me to do? The system sucks. This job sucks. And I am trying every breath that I have so that I can get you what you need. These comments reflect the immense pressure surrounding immigration enforcement activities particularly as they escalate in Minnesota. Judge Blackwell responded expressively, indicating concerns about the ongoing issues of compliance with court orders amidst high case volumes.

In her remarks, Le disclosed being overwhelmed with at least 88 cases assigned to her in a short time span, which contributed to her frustrations. The hearing highlighted not only her personal struggles but also broader issues affecting the federal court system during a surge in immigration cases since the Trump administration's emphasis on heightened deportation efforts.

Following the incident, officials confirmed Le's assignment was cut short, which appears indicative of the serious implications tied to her comments. Several other prosecutors in the Minnesota U.S. Attorney's office have similarly left due to dissatisfaction over the handling of the immigration surge and related operational challenges.

Le's comments also sparked criticism about the current state of the immigration enforcement system, drawing attention to systemic flaws that many claim result in unlawful detentions. The turmoil in this legal landscape underscores ongoing debates surrounding immigration policy and enforcement as the Biden administration continues to navigate these complex issues.

Despite her candidness, Le expressed a desire to leave her role but faced challenges in finding a replacement. The issues highlighted during the court hearing resonate with ongoing advocacy for reform in the immigration system that many legal practitioners assert is reaching a tipping point.