An association representing U.S. immigration judges said Tuesday that everyone is entitled to their day in court, despite the White House’s argument that due process does not require a judge to hear a particular case.

The National Association of Immigration Judges issued a statement refuting that sentiment, which was expressed during Monday’s White House press briefing. The organization said the Constitution guarantees individuals a day in court, “regardless of their citizenship status."

"Due process means that individuals are entitled to their day in court, in front of an independent and neutral decision maker, a judge who has the legal expertise to interpret and apply our complex immigration laws to the facts of each case," said Ashley Tabaddor, president of the organization.

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"Our laws are specifically designed to provide for due process for individuals fleeing persecution," she added. "This is not traffic court. A mistake on an asylum case can result in jail, torture or a death sentence."





The National Association of Immigration Judges is a voluntary organization that advocates for improvements to the immigration court system. The group operates separately from the Department of Justice, and does not speak on behalf of the government.

Tabaddor said the organization felt it was important to clarify the role of the immigration courts amid the ongoing debate regarding the Trump administration’s border policies.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Monday defended President Trump Donald John TrumpBiden on Trump's refusal to commit to peaceful transfer of power: 'What country are we in?' Romney: 'Unthinkable and unacceptable' to not commit to peaceful transition of power Two Louisville police officers shot amid Breonna Taylor grand jury protests MORE's tweets that suggested people who illegally cross the border should be removed “with no Judges or Court Cases.

“Just because you don’t see a judge doesn’t mean you don’t receive due process,” Sanders said.

The administration has faced overwhelming bipartisan backlash to its practice of separating migrant families who cross the border illegally, a result of the administration's "zero tolerance" policy.

Trump signed an executive order last week halting the separations.

He has spent the week since railing against the country's immigration laws, and complaining about efforts to hire additional immigration judges. Lawmakers have argued that hiring more judges would more quickly adjudicate asylum and immigration cases.