You'll have a hard time convincing me that judges shouldn't have a background in the law. Be that as it may, there are plenty of immigration attorneys who are funded by other parties to represent poor clients who are fighting deportation.
These people spoke English. There is no excuse for ignoring a court order. I certainly wouldn't try it, and I'm not going to make excuses for illegal aliens who try it.
I don't doubt that judges know the law. I doubt that judges apply the law without prejudice.