DOJ Immigration Courts Use Mass Hearings To Accelerate Deportation Orders
As of May 26, 2026, immigration courts run by the Justice Department are holding "mega master" hearings with more than 100 respondents to accelerate deportation orders.[1]
Attorneys say the practice is already underway in Chicago, Boston and Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and that officials plan to start it in the Dallas Immigration Court.[1] Many immigrants in those dockets had hearings moved up from 2027 through 2029 and often lack legal representation, which raises the likelihood of in-absentia removal orders if they miss or arrive late to court.[1] Lawyers say some respondents and their counsel get little or no mailed or electronic notice beyond online docket updates, and some courtrooms may not have enough seats for all scheduled attendees.[1]
Before this change, dockets typically held two to three dozen respondents, and advocates warn the new scheduling shift concentrates risk for those without counsel.[1] The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which runs the immigration courts, did not respond to NPR's request for comment on the new scheduling strategy.[1]
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📌 Key Facts
- As of May 26, 2026, immigration courts are holding 'mega master' hearings with 100+ respondents, up from typical dockets of two or three dozen.
- Attorneys report the practice is underway in Chicago, Boston and Chelmsford, Massachusetts, with plans to begin in the Dallas Immigration Court.
- Many immigrants in these dockets had hearings advanced from 2027-2029 and often lack counsel, increasing the risk of in-absentia removal orders when they miss or are late to court.
- Lawyers say some immigrants and counsel receive little or no mailed or electronic notice beyond online docket updates, in courts that may not have enough seats for all scheduled attendees.
- The Executive Office for Immigration Review, housed in the Justice Department, did not respond to NPR’s request for comment on the new scheduling strategy.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time