EOIR expanded immigration-court capacity with new judges.

On June 17, the Executive Office for Immigration Review announced the investiture of 39 immigration judges and 6 temporary immigration judges assigned to immigration courts across multiple states. EOIR framed the additions as part of a backlog-reduction effort and reported that it had completed more than 1.1 million cases since January 20, 2025, reducing the pending caseload from about 4 million to under 3.49 million. Respondents and counsel should expect continued pressure toward faster docket movement, so hearing notices, filing deadlines, and address updates should be monitored closely. EOIR announcement

DOJ sued Philadelphia over restrictions on federal immigration-enforcement operations.

On June 18, the Department of Justice filed suit challenging a Philadelphia ordinance that would restrict federal officers from wearing masks, require individual identifiers, and limit use of unmarked vehicles. DOJ argues the city law interferes with federal operations and threatens officer safety, while the city’s measure is aimed at transparency and accountability. Justice Department complaint announcement

DOJ announced indictments tied to alleged interference with ICE operations in Minnesota.

DOJ announced charges against 15 alleged members of Direct Action Minnesota, including conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers, threats, assault-related counts, solicitation, and destruction of government property. DOJ alleges the group organized, trained, and mobilized to interfere with ICE and other immigration-enforcement actions; the charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. This shows aggressive federal enforcement against conduct viewed as obstruction of immigration operations, so advocacy groups should ensure protest and rapid-response protocols avoid physical interference, threats, doxxing, or officer obstruction. Justice Department indictment announcement