DHS counsel slams liberal press over criticism of activist district judges

James Percival, serving as general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, launched an X series called "Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition" in which he claimed certain district judges sabotage ICE operations and place agents at risk. Following a query from a Chicago Sun-one outlet reporter about whether such posts could invite further threats, Percival rebuked the newspaper, labeling its response as "absolute absurdity" and asserting that legitimate, fact-based criticism of judges is acceptable in a free society.

He contrasted this stance with what he perceives as media tolerance when judges are conservative, referencing past threats against Supreme Court justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett. Percival singled out Judge Matthew Kennelly of the Northern District of Illinois for pausing TPS terminations and Judge Hernan Vera of the Central District of California for micromanaging DHS use-of-force policies. In reply, Sean Lewis of the Northern District of Illinois emphasized judicial independence and the proper channel for contesting rulings through the appellate system. One outlet sought comments from the Chicago Sun-Times and the Central District court without receiving responses.