The Department of Justice is implementing changes in immigration court scheduling that may increase the number of deportable immigrants by tens of thousands each month. Since late spring, the Trump administration has expedited the scheduling of initial hearings for immigrants, leading to a higher rate of 'in absentia' orders for those who do not attend their hearings. This change allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and deport individuals without a full hearing on their asylum or humanitarian claims.
Austin Kocher, an independent immigration data researcher, stated that the mass scheduling of cases is a political maneuver that could undermine the integrity of the immigration court system. He noted that instead of a typical 20 to 35 cases per session, courts are now scheduling 100 to 150 cases, which increases the likelihood of individuals missing their hearings.
Data from June indicates that absentia orders reached a record high of 53,800, a 55% increase from May. Many immigrants may be deterred from attending court due to fears of ICE arrests, especially given the short notice provided for hearings. Kocher expressed concern that this approach undermines due process and the ability of individuals to present their cases effectively.