As America tightens its immigration policies under President Donald Trump—who has already overseen the deportation of roughly 207,000 illegal entrants—debates about border control, fair legal process, and compassion for the disadvantaged remain heated. While much of the public discussion focuses on policy, for one Phoenix-based government attorney, the immigration issue has also become personal.
In an interview in Hebrew with Bechadrei Chareidim, Jeremy Rovinsky, a frum lawyer working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), says he occasionally encounters hostility simply because of his yarmulka. “Protesters gather outside our courthouse all the time, in support of Palestine and against ICE. One time they saw the yarmulka and were stunned into silence. The people I work with respect me, even if they don’t understand kosher or head coverings. But yes, sometimes Israelis come into my courtroom, and that feels a bit strange,” he says with a smile.
Rovinsky’s journey to the courtroom began in eighth grade, when a spirited argument in math class led a teacher to recommend he join the high school debate team. From there, his passion for advocacy took shape—serving as debate captain, studying in Washington, working for Senator Joe Lieberman, attending law school, and even spending time learning in Yeshivas Machon Shlomo in Yerushalayim. He later served as a part-time judge in an Arizona tribal court, and in March of this year became a federal immigration prosecutor for ICE, while continuing part-time judicial work in Scottsdale.
In his role, Rovinsky handles cases against individuals already inside the United States, many of whom claim asylum to avoid deportation. “Most say they’ll be harmed if they return home. Some are telling the truth, but in my experience, many are lying. My job is to uncover inconsistencies,” he explains.
Under U.S. law, immigration defendants do not receive a government-appointed attorney as criminal defendants do, though they may hire their own. The legal process can take one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half years, during which time defendants can often remain in the country and even work. Rovinsky says Trump’s policies have increased enforcement, particularly along the southern border, but stresses that “a fair process” still exists, despite political claims to the contrary.
He frames the issue as a matter of national security: “If people enter the country and we have no idea about their past crimes or background, it’s a direct danger. I personally believe America should give opportunities to struggling populations—but legally. Those who come here the right way contribute greatly to the economy.”
From a Jewish perspective, Rovinsky says, “The idea of compassion is very important. As someone wearing a yarmulka, I may represent the Jewish people in some eyes, and I take that responsibility seriously. Even when I rule against someone, I’m respectful. I don’t humiliate people. The job is to enforce the law, not to degrade anyone.”
He acknowledges understanding why migrants want to come. “The number one reason is financial. The U.S. government even offers some deportees $1,000 and a plane ticket home. But my responsibility is to uphold the law equally for everyone.”
Rovinsky also compared America’s immigration challenges to those in Israel’s south, noting that Israel’s national identity makes the issue distinct but that public safety must remain a priority. On complex cases—such as migrants claiming to be Jewish without proof—he says Israel has the right to require proper halachic conversion if they wish to settle there.
One of the most memorable cases of recent months involved a man from Rwanda who claimed his entire family had been killed in a massacre, forcing him into military service and ultimately leading him to cross into the U.S. via Mexico. “At first, his story sounded heartbreaking and genuine,” Rovinsky recalls. “But when I pressed him on certain details, things didn’t add up. Eventually, I discovered multiple lies. It shocked me, because for months I’d felt so bad for him—only to find out he wasn’t telling the truth.”
Rovinsky says he’ll continue to balance firmness with fairness. “I can be tough in court, but I also remember that every person is a human being. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how I work.”
{Matzav.com}
