The Trump administration, by 2026, has overhauled the U.S. immigration judicial system, packing immigration courtrooms and significantly shortening notice times for hearings.
This overhaul led to a near doubling of deportation orders between January 2025 and June 2026, jumping from around 33,000 to nearly 79,000 orders monthly, according to data from Mobile Pathways as reported by AP.
Accelerated Hearings with Minimal Notice
The main driver of this acceleration is the implementation of large-scale master calendar hearings, where a single judge may handle hundreds of cases in one day. In June 2026, over 1,300 of these sessions took place, almost tripling the number from the previous year.
The median notice time for appearing in court plummeted from 158 days in April to just 42 days in June, making it nearly impossible to secure legal representation.
This rapid pace resulted in the issuance of 20,763 in absentia deportation orders in a single month, with hearings announced less than 45 days in advance.
In Dallas, the rate of deportation orders issued in absentia reached 29.3% in May 2026, compared to a national average of 12.3%, according to Mobile Pathways. In some instances, the absence rate soared to 40%.
Restructuring of the Immigration Judiciary
Concurrently, the administration revamped the immigration judiciary. Since January 2025, more than 113 immigration judges were dismissed, according to the National Association of Immigration Judges, as reported by Reuters.
By February 2026, there was a backlog of nearly 4 million cases with only about 520 active judges.
The new judges appointed by Trump differ dramatically: they approve asylum applications in just 6% of cases, compared to 46% by the judges who were removed.
Florida immigration attorney Willy Allen III stated in May 2026, “There are 120 new judges trained in three or four weeks to deny cases.”
The Impact on the Cuban Community
The Cuban community is among the hardest hit. From October 2025 to June 2026, 4,007 Cubans received deportation orders in Florida, based on TRAC data from Syracuse University.
In June 2026 alone, courts issued 1,642 orders against Cubans nationwide.
As of November 2025, more than 42,000 Cubans had final deportation orders pending, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Meanwhile, ICE processed nearly 6,000 individuals in Miami detention centers in July 2026 alone, accumulating over 41,000 detentions since January 2025, more than any other ICE office in the country.
Opting for Voluntary Departure
In response to judicial pressure, the Trump administration promoted the Homecoming Project for voluntary departures, which by July 28 surpassed 200,000 departures, offering an incentive of $2,600 per person.
The stark contrast is evident: while a voluntary departure costs the government around $2,500, a forced deportation amounts to $18,245.
For those already with a deportation order, immigration lawyers advise that legal avenues still exist: appealing can offer a second chance for those meeting the criteria.
With nearly 4 million cases in backlog and asylum approval rates reduced to 6%, the chances of obtaining legal protection have drastically diminished for millions of immigrants, including tens of thousands of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S. Immigration Court Changes
What changes have occurred in the U.S. immigration courts under the Trump administration?
The Trump administration has accelerated the pace of immigration courts, leading to a doubling of deportation orders and shorter notice times for hearings. This has been achieved by restructuring the judiciary and implementing large-scale hearings.
How has the Cuban community been affected by these changes?
The Cuban community has been significantly impacted, with thousands receiving deportation orders. Many Cubans face challenges due to the reduced chances of obtaining legal protection amid the increased deportations.
What is the Homecoming Project for voluntary departures?
The Homecoming Project is an initiative by the Trump administration encouraging voluntary departures with financial incentives, proving to be a cost-effective alternative to forced deportations.