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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsSeptember 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 a single docket to expedite proceedings. This change has resulted in significantly longer wait times at courthouses and a sharp increase in in-absentia deportation orders for individuals who miss their hearings.

immigrationcourt systemdeportationjudicial administration
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — 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 deportation orders in Miami between May and July.

Key Facts

  • The 'mega master' calendar system increases judge dockets from roughly 36 cases per day to over 100.
  • In-absentia deportation orders (issued when a person misses a hearing) increased by 60% nationwide over the last few months.
  • In Miami, in-absentia deportation orders rose from 1,383 in May to 2,886 in July, a 108% increase.
  • Nationwide, 54,000 immigrants were ordered deported in July for missing court hearings, compared to 56,000 in June.
  • The administration is moving up court dates that were previously scheduled for 2027.
  • The court is now processing cases previously deemed low priority due to high dismissal potential.
  • Long lines outside courthouses are causing some individuals to arrive late for their scheduled hearings.
  • Judge Xavier Racine was observed calling groups of 30 people at once to assign new hearing dates.

Who's Mentioned

locationMiami“Location of the immigration court experiencing long lines.”personBillie Botch“Court observer with the American Friends Service Committee.”organizationbklg“Legal tech platform providing deportation data.”organizationJustice Department“Federal agency prioritizing backlog reduction.”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 waiting in line at the immigration court.”personYeriné“Venezuelan mother with a rescheduled court date.”personXavier Racine“Immigration judge in Miami.”personAvene Jeanite“Haitian man waiting for a court appointment.”organizationAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association“Professional association commenting on court tactics.”organizationTrump administration“The administration implementing the new court scheduling policy.”