A union president said the firings included 13 new judges and five assistant chief immigration judges, while the two others were fired earlier this week.

A union representing the judges said it “makes no sense” to make cuts to immigration courts as Trump promises to carry out mass deportations, which must go through the courts.

President Donald Trump’s Justice Department has terminated over a dozen employees involved in previous criminal prosecutions of him. The decision, announced by Acting Attorney General James McHenry, is consistent with the administration’s effort to reshape the department by removing officials perceived as disloyal.