Chicago – August 16, 2026
US immigration courts are increasingly using mass hearings to accelerate deportations under the Trump administration, with immigrant advocates warning that some people are being removed without receiving adequate notice or a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves.
The new approach includes so-called “mega master” hearings, in which immigration judges schedule as many as 100 to 200 cases at once. Many of the hearings are used to set deadlines and move cases rapidly through the system.
Advocates say the short notice given in some cases can make it difficult for immigrants to find lawyers or even learn that they are required to appear in court. People who fail to attend can receive deportation orders in absentia, meaning the decision is made without them being present.
The changes come alongside a major restructuring of the immigration court system. More than 100 immigration judges have reportedly been fired or pushed out since January 2025, while others have faced pressure as the administration seeks to increase deportations.
Immigration officials say speeding up proceedings is necessary to address the enormous court backlog. Critics, however, argue that efficiency is coming at the expense of due process and access to legal representation.
