One day, over 100 cases, one judge

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 5, 2026

Los Angeles immigration courts are experiencing severe overcrowding and scheduling challenges, with judges handling hundreds of cases in single, large-scale hearings to meet the Trump administration's push for faster asylum decisions. This strain increases the risk of immigrants missing hearings and facing removal orders, raising concerns about due process and the court system's capacity to manage the surging backlog.

A surge in immigration cases has led to unprecedented overcrowding and scheduling pressures in Los Angeles immigration courts, as judges face docket sizes far exceeding typical volumes. On one occasion in early June, a reporter observed a single judge assigned to over 120 cases in a single day. Another courtroom was scheduled to hear 96 cases simultaneously, illustrating the breadth of the backlog.

These large-scale sessions, often referred to as "mega master" hearings, have become increasingly common over the past two months amid efforts by the Trump administration to expedite asylum proceedings. The goal has been to fast-track cases, but the rapid pace and overly crowded courtrooms have placed immense strain on the system and those navigating it.

Immigrants seeking asylum or facing removal proceedings are required to appear in person for these administrative hearings, leading to long lines forming before court doors open and overcrowded waiting areas that spill into hallways. Court clerks have been working rapidly to process the high volume of respondents, but the sheer number of cases scheduled concurrently has complicated administrative and legal processes.

Attorneys representing immigrants have reported that the compressed schedules and the complexity of the hearings increase the likelihood that individuals will miss their appointments. Missing a hearing can have significant consequences, as respondents become eligible for removal orders in their absence.

During an observed hearing on June 24, 14 immigrants failed to appear and were consequently ordered removable by the end of the day. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns that the current system is overburdened and less accessible, effectively disadvantaging respondents amid rushed and confusing proceedings.

Legal experts warn that the speed and scale of these hearings undermine due process, while court officials emphasize the challenge of managing a backlog that has grown fourfold in recent months. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between policy directives aimed at accelerating immigration adjudication and the practical limitations of court infrastructure and resources.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.