DOJ Faces Attorney Exodus Amid Trump Immigration Policy Defense Challenges
The Department of Justice's Office of Immigration Litigation, responsible for defending President Trump's immigration policies, has experienced a significant loss of personnel. Over the past year, approximately one-third of its attorneys have departed, including many in mid-level to senior roles. This attrition threatens the office's ability to effectively manage the legal challenges against the administration's deportation policies. The office, which had over 300 attorneys at the start of Trump's second term, has seen at least 100 retire, quit, or otherwise leave since January 2025. The departures have been attributed to a combination of factors, including demoralization from a heavy caseload, leadership changes, and internal conflicts. The office has been crucial in representing the Department of Homeland Security in high-profile cases, including those involving mandatory detention of undocumented immigrants. 
