Surge in 'Mega Master' Hearings Leads to Spike in NYC Deportation Orders

New York City’s immigration courts are experiencing a notable shift in operations, with a surge in high-volume proceedings that legal advocates warn may be compromising due process. According to data analyzed by bklg.org, the city’s primary immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan issued nearly 4,500 removal orders in June 2026 to individuals who did not appear for their scheduled hearings.

This figure represents a significant jump from the 2,000 to 3,000 orders issued monthly between January and May of this year. The rise in these 'in-absentia' orders coincides with the increased use of 'mega master' hearings—preliminary sessions that consolidate 100 or more cases before a single judge. While standard master calendar hearings typically involve 10 to 40 participants, these expanded sessions have become a frequent fixture at the Manhattan facility.

Between January 2025 and June 2026, 39 such morning hearings were held in New York City, with 26 of those occurring in June alone. Immigration attorneys suggest that these hearings are often scheduled with minimal notice, sometimes providing participants only a few days to prepare. Critics argue that the rapid pace and high volume of these dockets make it difficult for individuals to receive adequate legal guidance or even confirm their hearing dates.

"It's just manufactured chaos that’s stripping vulnerable people of due process," said New York City-based immigration attorney Robert Tsigler. While federal officials have previously characterized mass hearings as a necessary measure to address the long-standing backlog of immigration cases, they have not provided specific comment on the recent spike in removal orders.

Legal experts are urging immigrants with pending cases to remain vigilant. Attorneys recommend that individuals check their hearing status frequently using the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) automated website or by calling the agency’s hotline at 800-898-7180. For those who have already missed a hearing, legal counsel suggests that filing a motion to reopen the case is the most common path forward, though the viability of such actions depends on the specific circumstances of each case. Advocates emphasize that retaining legal representation remains the most effective way to receive timely notifications regarding changes to court schedules.