WASHINGTON, July 13 (Reuters) - Federal officials on Sunday defended President Donald Trump 's escalating campaign to deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally, including a California farm raid that left one worker dead, and said the administration would appeal a ruling to halt some of its more aggressive tactics.

A White House spokesperson told CBS News Los Angeles that the order was a "gross overstep of judicial authority."

Seventeen immigration court judges have been fired in recent days. That's according to the union that represents the judges.