A judicial appointment late last year brought another “first” to the history books. Magistrate judge and Texas native Irma Carrillo Ramirez was appointed as a United States circuit judge to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. She is the first Latina woman to hold the position, the daughter of two Mexican immigrants working under The Bracero Program, and she was confirmed in an 80-12 vote. Under her new position, Ramirez will have appellate jurisdiction over district courts in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
Born and raised in Texas, much of Ramirez’s life has taken place in the state she has jurisdiction over. After earning her juris doctorate from the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas, she stayed in her home state to pursue a career in law. She worked with an associate law firm for four years upon graduating before working as an assistant United States attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. Ramirez spent her time in the Northern District working with the Civil Division and Criminal Division, gaining experience overseeing various criminal and non-criminal cases. In 2002, Ramirez was sworn into the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas as a magistrate judge. She served in this position for 22 years, overseeing high-profile cases in everything from tax fraud to crimes surrounding murder.
Throughout her career, Ramirez has been favored by Democrats and Republicans alike. Already gaining the support of former President Barack Obama in 2016 for a district judge position she didn’t end up receiving, she was nominated by President Joe Biden for the fifth circuit position in April of 2023. Upon her nomination, Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz supported her confirmation. She received her official judicial commission in December of 2023 and was immediately praised by the Dallas Hispanic Bar Organization and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
LULAC’s National President Domingo Garcia stated in a press release, “LULAC is extremely proud to affirm the confirmation of Judge Ramirez, whose reasoned and respected service has earned her this prestigious position on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals…she represents an important new voice that will ensure fairness and balance.”
Garcia elaborated on how vital Ramirez’s confirmation was to the Hispanic and Latinx communities, encouraging others to follow in her footsteps if so inclined. Garcia stated:
“It is imperative that more Latinos who possess the legal knowledge, experience and skills are considered for critical judicial appointments. Our Constitution guarantees equal representation for all individuals whose cases come before it. This will only happen through greater diversity and a broader cross-section of experienced jurists who can serve.”
