A few numbers worth knowing if you have a hearing in front of Judge Williams, Samuel G. (IJ code SGW, Otero, NM):
Overall track record
2 years on the bench (since 2025), 1,301 cases total, lifetime grant rate 4.6%
Last 3 years (2023–2026): 1,300 cases, grant rate 4.6% — roughly in line with the Otero court average (7.5%)
Nationality breakdown (2023–2026 cumulative)
Nationality / Cases / Grant rate Mexico 337 3.8% Guatemala 170 0.9% Venezuela 156 1.5% Ecuador 80 0.0% Honduras 79 0.0% Cuba 74 3.5% Colombia 58 0.0% Nicaragua 39 0.0% El Salvador 36 0.0% China 25 10.5% Dominican Republic 24 0.0%
Year-by-year
2025: 808 cases, 2.9% grant rate 2026: 492 cases, 8.1% grant rate
If you've appeared before Judge Williams, I'd love to hear:
1. What's your nationality, and when was your most recent hearing?
2. How did your attorney prepare for this judge specifically?
Source: EOIR (U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review) public statistics, May 2026 release, compiled by AsylumTracker. A judge's historical pattern does not predict the outcome of any individual case; this is shared to help set realistic expectations. Real-experience accounts from the community are welcome.