Over 100 Ex-Judges File Ethics Complaint Against DHS General Counsel
On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Democracy Defenders Fund, Lawyers Defending American Democracy and 128 former judges filed an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar against Department of Homeland Security general counsel James Percival.[1]
The filing focuses on Percival's July 2026 social media posts titled "Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition" that named four federal judges appointed by Democratic presidents.[1] Judge Beth Bloom called the posts a public "target list," and Judge Esther Salas warned they were "putting a bullseye" on judges.[1] The complaint cites U.S. Marshals Service data that 402 threats were made against individual federal judges in fiscal year 2026, targeting 299 of roughly 2,500 judges.[1]
In July 2026 Percival posted the "Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition" list to social media, which prompted complaints from judges and legal groups.[1] The complaint says the posts amount to a "target list" and cites U.S. Marshals Service threat data to underscore the risks to judges.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Democracy Defenders Fund, Lawyers Defending American Democracy and 128 former judges filed an ethics complaint with the Florida Bar against DHS general counsel James Percival.
- The complaint focuses on Percival's July 2026 "Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition" social media posts naming four federal judges appointed by Democratic presidents.
- Judge Beth Bloom called the posts a public "target list," and Judge Esther Salas warned they were "putting a bullseye" on judges.
- The complaint cites U.S. Marshals Service data that 402 threats were made against individual federal judges in fiscal year 2026, targeting 299 of roughly 2,500 judges.
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