Immigration Courts Implement New Strategies to Expedite Deportations
In a significant shift within the U.S. immigration system, courts under the Justice Department are expediting immigrant hearings by consolidating them into large group sessions, aiming to increase the number of deportation orders. This development has been highlighted by immigration attorneys and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which monitors activities in these courts.
The newly introduced “mega masters” involve scheduling over 100 individuals for a single master calendar hearing, a substantial increase from the previous norm of 24 to 36 people per session. These hearings often mark the first opportunity for many immigrants to present their case for remaining in the United States.
Critics, including attorneys, argue that these massive hearings primarily affect immigrants who lack legal representation. If individuals arrive late or miss their hearings, they risk receiving removal orders, further limiting their already constrained due process options. Vanessa Dojaquez-Torres from AILA expressed concern over the potential lack of adequate notice to attendees, suggesting the hearings might be designed to maximize deportation orders.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees immigration courts, has not commented on this strategy. The practice has been initiated in Chicago, Boston, and Chelmsford, Mass., with plans to expand to Dallas shortly.
This approach aligns with President Trump’s objective to deport one million individuals annually, surpassing the 600,000 deportations achieved in 2025. The administration views the backlog of cases in immigration courts as a significant barrier to swift deportation processes.
Challenges with Notification and Court Capacity
Non-attendance at scheduled hearings, even if unintentional, can lead to a judge issuing a removal order, allowing immigration officers to detain and deport the individual. This scenario has become more frequent, as many immigrants avoid court appearances out of fear of detention.
Dojaquez-Torres and other legal experts are concerned that immigrants, especially those without legal counsel, may be unaware of rescheduled hearing dates, making them susceptible to deportation. In some cases, the government has provided insufficient notice, both by mail and electronically, leaving those not regularly checking their online accounts at risk of missing important updates.
These “mega masters” include individuals whose original hearings were set for 2027, 2028, or 2029. A Texas-based immigration attorney noted the likelihood of high absentee rates, potentially resulting in numerous in absentia removal orders. If attendees do appear, the hearings could overwhelm court resources and personnel.
While some clients could benefit from expedited scheduling, the majority of immigrants, lacking legal representation, are unlikely to see such advantages.
Efforts to Enhance Judicial Resources
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the EOIR to streamline case processing under Trump’s administration. The agency has prioritized cases involving specific nationalities, such as Somalis, Syrians, and Iranians, as well as juvenile immigrants.
Recently, the DOJ announced the addition of 77 new immigration judges and five temporary military lawyers, marking the largest induction of judges in a single fiscal year. “The Trump administration is committed to reestablishing an immigration judge corps that is dedicated to restoring the rule to the law in our nation’s immigration system,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The rapid hiring comes after a significant turnover within the EOIR, where over 100 immigration judges were dismissed last year. Despite new appointments, several judges were also dismissed recently, notably in New York and California. An NPR analysis revealed that judges with a background in representing immigrants were more likely to be dismissed than those with experience at the Department of Homeland Security.
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