Mass immigration-court hearings are driving record deportation orders
The Guardian, TRAC and immigration-court data analysts report that DOJ immigration courts expanded large group hearings in June, when court closures topped 100,000 and in-absentia removal orders reached record levels. (sources: bklg.org, tracreports.org, www.justice.gov, theguardian)
Analysis indicates that mass hearings and in-absentia removal orders have surged, resulting in unprecedented levels of deportation orders. This trend coincides with a notable increase in immigration arrests.
- Mega-master hearings have been implemented nationwide, leading to a rise in removal orders.
- Over 100,000 immigration court closures were reported in June 2026.
- The second Trump administration has seen a record number of immigration arrests.
Why it matters
The increase in deportation orders raises questions about the immigration court system's capacity and the implications for individuals facing removal.
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