NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)September 2, 2026Hillsborough
Trump administration implements 'mega master' calendar hearings to accelerate immigration court dockets
The federal government has shifted to 'mega master' calendar hearings, a new scheduling tactic that groups dozens of immigrant cases into single court sessions to expedite proceedings. This change has resulted in long wait times outside courthouses and a significant increase in deportation orders issued for individuals who miss their hearings.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The policy change directly impacts the ability of immigrants to attend scheduled hearings and secure legal representation, with data showing a 108% increase in deportation orders in Miami between May and July.
Key Facts
- The 'mega master' calendar system increases daily dockets from approximately 36 cases to over 100 cases per judge.
- In-absentia deportation orders (issued when a person misses a hearing) increased by 108% in Miami between May (1,383) and July (2,886).
- Nationwide, in-absentia deportation orders reached 54,000 in July, a 60% increase over the previous few months.
- The administration is moving up court dates that were previously scheduled for 2027.
- The court is now processing cases previously deemed low priority for dismissal.
- Courtroom 24 in Miami is currently operating with standing-room-only capacity.
- New hearing dates are being assigned as quickly as two weeks from the initial appearance.
Who's Mentioned
locationMiami“Location of the immigration court experiencing long lines and docket changes.”personBillie Botch“Court observer with the American Friends Service Committee.”organizationbklg“Legal tech platform providing data on deportation orders.”organizationJustice Department“Federal agency overseeing immigration court backlog priorities.”organizationExecutive Office for Immigration Review“Agency overseeing immigration courts.”organizationAmerican Friends Service Committee“Social justice group observing court operations.”personDavid Wilson“Vice chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association's immigration court c”personYerandy Gonzalez“Individual observed waiting in line at the Miami immigration court.”personYeriné“Venezuelan mother with a rescheduled court appointment.”personXavier Racine“Immigration judge in Miami.”personAvene Jeanite“Haitian man waiting for a court appointment.”organizationAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association“Professional association providing commentary on court procedures.”organizationTrump administration“The administration implementing the new court scheduling policy.”