It is an extraordinary step to take. James Percival, the General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, has started posting the names of Federal Judges who, in his view, most frequently oppose DHS deportation efforts. See Fox News story here. If any of us normal private attorneys tried to do that, we would likely soon see our license flying out the window. In his posting, Mr. Percival describes those Judges as the “Worst of the Worst.”
Attacks on Judges are still increasing. Actions like Mr. Percival’s and constant name-calling by the President have eroded the customary respect for Judges. That has resulted in a sharp increase in threats against Judges and their families. The Reuters news service published its findings of over 600 posts on social media between February and May, 2025 targeting the family members of Judges. In March, 2025, Judge James Boasberg ruled that government officials could face contempt charges for illegally deporting immigrants and defying a court order. Within days, online posters attacked his daughter, Katharine Boasberg, who has long been involved in serving low-income communities.
In 2022, Congress passed an act to protect Judges’ personal information. The act was named after Daniel Anderl. Mr. Anderl was the 20 year old son of Federal Judge Esther Salas. Her son was targeted by a former litigant before Judge Salas and killed. For more information, see the ABA Bar Journal report here.