San Antonio’s immigration court is set to undergo significant procedural changes starting June 2, as part of a broader initiative by the Trump Administration to expedite deportation proceedings nationwide. The changes will see the introduction of mass hearings, where each judge may handle up to 50 respondents at a time, according to Laura Flores Dixit, managing attorney with American Gateways in San Antonio.

Impact on Local Immigrants

Immigrants without legal representation will now be required to appear in person at the San Antonio court, reversing the previous allowance for virtual appearances. This shift raises concerns among immigration advocates, who note that many families have relied on virtual hearings due to fears of immigration enforcement near courthouses.

Flores Dixit expressed worries that these changes could lead to confusion and administrative errors, potentially resulting in immigrants missing their hearings. Such absences could lead to deportation orders being issued in absentia, increasing the risk of deportation if individuals are later detained.

Concerns Over Enforcement and Due Process

Advocates are particularly concerned about the potential resumption of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities near the courthouse, which could lead to increased detentions. Flores Dixit warned that if ICE were to resume enforcement at the court, it could effectively corral individuals for detention purposes.

The Trump Administration argues that these changes are necessary to improve court efficiency and reduce the backlog of pending immigration cases. However, immigration advocates have raised due process concerns, emphasizing the need for immigrants to closely monitor court notices and maintain contact with legal aid organizations as these changes take effect.

Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.