Miami immigration court’s “mega-master” schedule creates massive lines and chaos

Miami’s immigration court is witnessing unprecedented crowds as the “mega master” calendar, a tactic introduced by the Trump administration, schedules judges to hear more than 100 cases daily. Under the previous system, a judge typically managed about thirty-six matters, but the new approach aims to accelerate removals and clear a sizable backlog. Lawyers and advocacy groups warn that the compressed schedule hampers timely notice delivery and limits access to representation, driving up no-show rates and in-absentia removal orders, which have risen sharply nationwide.

In Miami, the July spike saw in-absentia orders climb from 1,383 in May to 2,886, a 108% increase. Court officials say additional judges and scheduling tweaks will address the strain, but observers like Billie Botch of the American Friends Service Committee link the overload to higher removal outcomes.