Chicago’s immigration court produced an unprecedented surge in in absentia removal orders this month, with data showing a fundamental shift in how cases are disposed when respondents don’t appear. You need to understand this trend because it directly changes how you advise clients on the consequences of missing a hearing and the urgency of court appearance.
What changed
In June 2026, for the first time since 2019, more people were found to have missed court in Chicago than showed up, with 58% of 10,370 people assigned to hearings ruled absent according to data from the Executive Office of Immigration Review. Nationally, about 60% of immigrants called to court in June still showed up, down from 78% last October.
The shift correlates with court operational changes. Advocates say key purposes of mega hearings include discouraging immigrants from coming to court, smoothing the way toward deportation, and curtailing time to find an affordable attorney. Attorneys with the National Immigration Justice Center call the recent surge of in absentia removal orders “unprecedented,” characterizing it as “not a coincidence, but another tactic to facilitate deportations.”
Why it matters
A no-show at Chicago immigration court now carries dramatically higher risk. When people miss court, judges can order them removed in absentia or in their absence. The efficiency of in absentia removal means the government can deport people without having to read briefs, hold a full hearing, or afford due process.
For your clients, missing a hearing is no longer a rescheduling issue—it’s a potential final order of removal. The data also signals that Chicago court operations are now structured to maximize no-shows: crowded mega hearings, limited notice, and a backdrop of fear around court appearance during immigration enforcement operations.
Immigration advocates note that the court counts on the fact that immigrants won’t show up because they’re afraid of being deported and separated from their families. This psychological barrier to appearance, combined with operational chaos, is producing removal orders at scale.
Way forward
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Prioritize in-person appearance. Make clear to every client that missing a hearing in Chicago immigration court now almost guarantees removal. This is not a matter of rescheduling—it is final deportation.
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Plan for notice failure. Given crowded mega hearings and operational disarray, assume clients may not receive proper notice of hearing date/time. Build in multiple reminder systems (text, phone, in-person visits) weeks before scheduled appearance.
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Understand appeal rights after in absentia removal. If your client has already received an in absentia removal order, consult the Board of Immigration Appeals rules on reopening or reconsideration. Time is critical.
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Document all communication. Keep detailed records of every notice you provide to your client about hearing dates and appearance requirements. This documentation may be critical if you later need to argue for reopening based on failure to receive notice.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Articles.folaform.com is a technology platform maintained by a software company, not a law firm. You should consult with a licensed immigration attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction to discuss your specific situation and rights. Policy, court operations, and procedure can change without notice. Always verify the current status of any guidance against the primary sources cited above and the official EOIR website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir.