NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)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 significantly longer wait times for entry into Miami immigration courts and a sharp increase in deportation orders issued for missed hearings.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)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 s in Miami between May and July.
Key Facts
- The 'mega master' calendar system increases judge dockets to over 100 people per day, with dozens of cases heard simultaneously.
- In-absentia deportation orders (issued when a person misses a hearing) spiked 108% in Miami from 1,383 in May to 2,886 in July.
- 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.
- Cases previously deemed low priority are now being added to active dockets.
- Courtroom 24 in Miami is currently operating at standing-room-only capacity.
- Some judges are rescheduling hearings for as soon as two weeks out, while others set them for one month.
- The Justice Department states that reducing the immigration court backlog is a high priority.
Who's Mentioned
locationMiami“The site of the immigration court experiencing long lines and docket changes.”personBillie Botch“A court observer with the American Friends Service Committee.”organizationJustice Department“Federal agency overseeing immigration court priorities.”organizationExecutive Office for Immigration Review“The agency that oversees immigration courts.”organizationAmerican Friends Service Committee“A social justice group observing court operations.”personDavid Wilson“Vice chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association's immigration court c”personYerandy Gonzalez“An individual waiting in line at the immigration court.”personYeriné“A 30-year-old Venezuelan mother affected by the rescheduled court date.”personXavier Racine“An immigration judge in Miami.”personAvene Jeanite“A 52-year-old Haitian man waiting for a court appointment.”otherbklg“A legal tech platform providing data on deportation orders.”organizationAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association“Professional association commenting on the impact of the new policy.”organizationTrump administration“The administration implementing the new court scheduling policy.”