mega master hearings

The Trump administration is accelerating immigration court proceedings by scheduling high-volume 'mega' master hearings to address a backlog, leading to a surge in missed court dates and deportation orders. Data shows a threefold increase in these hearings since June 2018, with reduced preparation time for immigrants, resulting in unprecedented rates of deportation and abandoned asylum claims.

Attorneys criticize Chicago immigration court for 'mega master' hearings. Cook County has the second-highest number of pending deportation cases in the U.S., totaling 108,934 as of June.

Deportation orders in New York City increased significantly in June 2026, with 4,447 people ordered removed in absentia due to missed 'mega master' hearings. These large-scale immigration court sessions, part of a Trump administration initiative, reduced notice periods for hearings from 180 days to a median of 42 days, leading to a 55% national rise in in absentia removals.

The Trump administration uses 'mega master' hearings to reschedule immigration cases to short notice, leading to many deportations when people do not attend. Data analysts found 40% no-show rates, with some judges deporting all absent individuals. The court's spokesperson claims timely case handling is prioritized.

The Trump Administration introduced 'mega master' hearings in NYC immigration court, where a single judge reviewed over 100 deportation cases in one day. This policy, previously tested in Illinois and Massachusetts, has drawn criticism from advocates who argue it undermines immigrants' rights by expediting deportation processes.

Concord’s immigration court is holding 'mega master' hearings, processing over three times the normal number of cases, which has sparked fears of increased deportations. A related article mentions a planned closure of an SF immigration court that could delay cases further.