In a significant escalation of immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, a mass immigration hearing in San Diego resulted in deportation orders for 50 individuals who failed to appear in court. The hearing, held on June 12, 2026, before Judge Catherine Halliday-Roberts at the Edward J.
Schwartz federal building, saw more than 80 cases scheduled, with only about two dozen defendants present. Those who were absent were ordered removed by the afternoon, according to court observers.
This event is part of a broader nationwide initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice to accelerate deportations and reduce the immigration court backlog.
Paulina Reyes, San Diego director of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, criticized the approach, stating it undermines due process. “This is the Trump administration's latest plan to move forward with mass deportations without due process,” she said.
Volunteer court observer Ken Nollett noted the unprecedented scale of the hearing, with nearly 90 cases on one judge's docket, far exceeding the usual 20. He expressed concern that court dates are being rescheduled with little notice, making it difficult for immigrants to attend.
Reyes added that similar practices are occurring in courts nationwide, with hearings originally set for late 2026 or 2027 being moved up to within a month's notice.
The Justice Department defended the scheduling changes as necessary to handle cases efficiently and lawfully. However, critics argue the system is designed to maximize removal orders issued in absentia.
Not all absentees were ordered removed; some cases were dismissed, transferred, or rescheduled. One individual chose voluntary self-deportation during the hearing.
The policy has raised alarms about the fairness and transparency of immigration proceedings, particularly for those without legal representation.