Tagged #immigration-court
Every article we've published on this topic, sorted by the agency's own announcement date.
Immigration Courts Scaling Up 'Mega Master' Hearings to Clear Backlogs
Federal immigration courts are bundling 100+ cases into single hearings to expedite deportations, raising concerns among practitioners about due process and notice deficiencies.
Trump Administration Lets Contract Funding for Child Immigrant Attorneys Expire
The Trump administration allowed a $356 million federal contract funding legal representation for unaccompanied migrant children to expire July 31, affecting 20,000+ children nationwide.
Board of Immigration Appeals Reverses 30 Years of Bond Precedent
A recent BIA decision reinterprets the INA to deny bond hearings to noncitizens with U.S. residence arrested by ICE. One detainee is now fighting the ruling in federal court.
26,000 Unaccompanied Minors Lose Representation After Federal Contract Expires
A federal contract providing legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children has expired, leaving 26,000 minors without counsel in immigration court proceedings. Immigration practitioners must adapt strategies immediately.
Ninth Circuit Rules Detained Noncitizens Entitled to Bond Hearings in Interior Deportation Cases
A 2-1 Ninth Circuit decision affirms that noncitizens apprehended in the United States are entitled to bond hearings under § 1226(a), not subject to mandatory detention. The ruling reverses the Tacoma Immigration Court's practice and affects thousands detained in the Ninth Circuit.
USCIS Asylum Rule Lets Officers Send Cases to Immigration Court
A new USCIS rule effective immediately allows asylum officers to refer applications to immigration courts, where approval rates are lower. Immigration practitioners must adjust strategy for pending and future cases.
USCIS Can Now Skip Asylum Interviews and Refer Cases Directly to Immigration Court
DHS issued an interim final rule July 28, 2026 allowing USCIS to refer certain affirmative asylum applications directly to immigration court without an interview. Practitioners must prepare Form I-589 as if it will be reviewed by a judge, not an officer.
New Jersey Immigration Judge's Appointment Raises Judicial Fitness Concerns
A New Jersey judge appointed to the Elizabeth Immigration Court faced recent appellate criticism for insensitive remarks toward a sexual assault victim, raising concerns among immigration attorneys about how he will handle asylum and bond cases.
Federal Court Blocks ICE Arrests at Immigration Court Hearings Nationwide
A federal judge in California issued a nationwide injunction blocking ICE from arresting migrants at immigration court proceedings, except in narrow national security or public safety circumstances.
Federal Judge Bars ICE From Arrests at Immigration Court and Prolonged Detention
U.S. District Judge Casey Pitts ruled that ICE's rescission of its long-standing policy against immigration court arrests and prolonged detention violated the Administrative Procedure Act, affecting how immigration court proceedings and detainee handling operate.
Federal judge blocks ICE courthouse arrests nationwide
A California federal judge issued a nationwide injunction blocking the Trump administration's policy of making arrests at immigration courts, restoring prior guidance limiting enforcement in courthouses.
Federal Judge Blocks Arrests at Immigration Courts Nationwide
A California federal judge issued a nationwide injunction invalidating Trump administration policies allowing ICE arrests at immigration courts and extended detention periods, finding them arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.
San Diego Immigration Court Launches 'Mega Master' Hearings to Clear Backlog
The Trump administration is scheduling mass immigration hearings in San Diego with 80+ cases per judge per day, pulling forward cases originally set for 2027–2029. Understand how mega masters affect your client's notice, appearance, and risk profile.
San Francisco Immigration Court Closure—What Practitioners Need to Know
The Trump administration is closing San Francisco Immigration Court effective end of 2026, transferring 100,000+ cases to Concord. Here's what attorneys and practitioners need to know about timing, access, and client impact.
Federal Judge Restricts ICE Arrests at Three Manhattan Immigration Courts
U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel bars federal agents from making arrests without exceptional circumstances at three Manhattan immigration court buildings, reinstating prior policy.
BIA Requires In Absentia Removal Orders in Failure-to-Appear Cases
Board of Immigration Appeals clarifies that immigration judges must enter removal orders when respondents fail to appear, limiting scope of dismissal and closure discretion.