New immigration court tactic leads to huge lines and chaos in Miami
The Trump administration has implemented 'mega master' calendar hearings in Miami immigration courts to accelerate deportation proceedings. While officials argue this reduces the case backlog, critics claim the tactic creates chaos and hinders immigrants' ability to secure legal representation.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects broader debates over immigration enforcement, judicial efficiency, and the due process rights of asylum seekers.
MIAMI — Yerandy Gonzalez looks at the line of hundreds of people in front of him and shakes his head.
He takes a step aside and lights up a cigarette.
"This is crazy, man," Gonzalez says in Spanish.
The line — which stretches across a few blocks on this humid Tuesday morning — is of people waiting to go inside Miami's immigration court. All of the people in line have a scheduled hearing – for many it's their first court appearance.
Avene Jeanite, a 52-year-old Haitian man, is among those waiting. He was here last month accompanying a friend facing deportation. But today is his appointment.
"It was not like this — you would go to the door and they'd let you in," Jeanite said. "Today is completely different."
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