NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)September 2, 2026Hillsborough
Trump administration implements 'mega master' calendar hearings in Miami immigration courts
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 accelerate court proceedings. This change has resulted in long lines outside Miami immigration courts and a significant increase in deportation orders issued for individuals who miss their hearings.
Read the full story at WUSF (NPR Tampa Bay)Why It Matters
The new scheduling system directly impacts the ability of immigrants to attend their court dates 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 from roughly 36 cases per day to over 100.
- In-absentia deportation orders in Miami rose from 1,383 in May to 2,886 in July, a 108% increase.
- Nationwide, in-absentia deportation orders reached 54,000 in July, following 56,000 in June.
- 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.
- Long wait times outside the courthouse are causing some immigrants to arrive late for their scheduled hearings.
- Judge Xavier Racine is currently assigning new hearing dates ranging from two weeks to one month out.
Who's Mentioned
locationMiami“Location of the immigration court experiencing the new scheduling 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 priorities.”organizationExecutive Office for Immigration Review“Agency that oversees 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 court.”personYeriné“Venezuelan mother whose court date was moved up from 2027.”personXavier Racine“Immigration judge presiding over courtroom 24.”personAvene Jeanite“Haitian man waiting for his court appointment.”organizationAmerican Immigration Lawyers Association“Professional organization providing commentary on the court changes.”organizationTrump administration“The administration implementing the new court scheduling tactic.”