128 Former Judges File Ethics Complaint Against DHS Lawyer James Percival

James Percival / X Donald Trump’s top Department of Homeland Security lawyer has been accused of risking bloodshed by publishing a “Worst of the Worst” list of sitting federal judges.

A group of 128 former state and federal judges, described by organizers as bipartisan, announced Wednesday that it had filed an ethics complaint against DHS general counsel James Percival.

The Florida Bar member, 40, is accused of making false or recklessly misleading claims about judges who ruled against the Trump administration.

Threats against judges are already widespread.

Updated U.S.

Marshals Service figures show 415 threats against federal judges during fiscal 2026 through Aug.

17.

A total of 307 different judges were targeted.

That didn’t stop Percival from unveiling his “Worst of the Worst, District Judge Edition” on his official X account July 23.

He named Clinton-appointed Judge Matthew Kennelly, Obama appointees Allison Burroughs and Paula Xinis, and Biden appointee Hernán Vera.

The list included no Trump appointees.

Percival accused Kennelly of “judicial sabotage” over an immigration ruling.

He claimed Burroughs deliberately slowed a case to obstruct deportations and described an order from Xinis as “crazy.” He also accused Vera of endangering DHS officers by restricting their use of force against journalists, legal observers and protesters.

Percival continued his attacks the following day.