Story perspectives

In-Person EOIR Hearings Spark In-Absentia Orders, Rates Rise

9/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Executive Office for Immigration Review scheduled in-person hearings at unfamiliar locations, prompting in-absentia removal orders.
Immigration judges and Homeland Security attorneys appeared remotely while immigrants had to attend in person.
Some immigrants, such as a Maryland resident, received no mailed notice and had only eight days before the Sept. 2 hearing.
In-absentia removal rates for unrepresented immigrants in Baltimore rose from 54% in January to 73% in June.

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Story summary

The Executive Office for Immigration Review scheduled in-person hearings at unfamiliar locations, prompting in-absentia removal orders.
Immigration judges and Homeland Security attorneys appeared remotely while immigrants had to attend in person.
Some immigrants, such as a Maryland resident, received no mailed notice and had only eight days before the Sept. 2 hearing.
In-absentia removal rates for unrepresented immigrants in Baltimore rose from 54% in January to 73% in June.