Immigration attorneys say some courts are holding over 100 case hearings daily
Immigration attorneys report that some courts are conducting over 100 case hearings daily, a practice they refer to as 'mega masters.' This approach is seen as a tactic to expedite deportations, with many hearings being rescheduled with little notice. Concerns have been raised about the impact on individuals without legal representation, who may miss their hearings and face automatic removal orders.
- ▪Some immigration courts are holding over 100 case hearings in a single day.
- ▪Attorneys have dubbed these large gatherings 'mega masters' as a tactic to speed up deportations.
- ▪There are reports of scheduled hearings being abruptly canceled and consolidated into larger proceedings.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onImmigration attorneys say some courts are holding over 100 case hearings daily"Mega master" hearings are a tactic to speed up deportations, the attorneys say.ByArmando GarciaMay 29, 2026, 5:10 AM1:26STOCK IMAGE/Getty ImagesAn immigration law attorney whose career has spanned over two decades said he has never experienced a hearing like the one he had in Annandale, Virginia. “Normally, these master calendars will have 10 people, maybe sometimes 15, but usually in that range. The judge opened the hearing and said well, we have 100 cases on today's docket,” attorney Joseph M. Perez told ABC News.
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