Sudden Moves Raise Red Flags for Attorneys (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Minnesota – Immigration courts rescheduled dozens of Somali asylum cases over the weekend, shifting hearings from distant future dates to the next few weeks.
Sudden Moves Raise Red Flags for Attorneys
More than 100 Somali asylum applications across at least three states suddenly appeared on court calendars, catching lawyers off guard.[1]
Attorneys reported receiving notices starting Friday night, with some clients facing hearings as early as later this month. Previously, many cases lacked dates or were set for 2028. Four lawyers spoke to NPR on condition of anonymity, describing the shift as unprecedented. One stated, “This is the first time EOIR has been so obviously a political tool.”[1]
Conflicts emerged too, as certain migrants received multiple hearing dates in different states like Louisiana, Illinois, and Texas on the same day. David Wilson, a Minnesota immigration attorney, highlighted the rush’s impact on preparation. He remarked, “To rush these particular cases with judges who may not be familiar with them – it’s disappointing that their system isn’t going to give them their full day in court.”[1]
Shift from Merits to Preliminary Hearings
Courts recategorized several cases from individual merits hearings – where asylum claims receive full review – to master calendar sessions. These initial group appearances confirm removal intentions and outline next steps. The change limits time for evidence gathering and arguments.
Somali nationals who entered the U.S. between 2018 and 2024 filed most affected claims. No records showed ICE motions prompting the rescheduling. Lawyers suspect coordination between the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Homeland Security to expedite denials.
Minnesota’s Somali Community Feels the Strain
Nearly half of the 3,254 pending Somali cases nationwide sit in Minnesota courts, home to the country’s largest Somali population. Many hold Temporary Protected Status, terminated by the Trump administration last November and set to expire March 17.[1]
Recent DHS actions in Minneapolis deployed around 2,000 agents, leading to operations that resulted in two U.S. citizen deaths. President Trump referred to Somali immigrants as “garbage” who “contribute nothing” during a December Cabinet meeting. One anonymous lawyer noted, “I haven’t seen a demographic pull like this where they are targeting specific nationalities.”[1]
Potential Paths to Denial Without Full Review
Concerns center on pretermissions, where judges deny “legally deficient” applications without hearings, as outlined in a spring EOIR memo. Migrants might also face offers to relocate to third countries like Uganda.
ICE’s Minnesota chief counsel, Jim Stolley, retired recently. EOIR spokeswoman Kathryn Mattingly declined comment on pending matters. The moves coincide with nationwide judge reassignments to balance caseloads.
- Hearings pulled from 2028 to weeks away.
- Targeting specific nationality raises bias fears.
- TPS expiration adds deportation pressure.
- Limited prep time hampers defenses.
- Group sessions replace detailed reviews.
Key Takeaways
- Dozens to over 100 Somali cases rescheduled abruptly across states.
- Lawyers view it as a prelude to swift deportations.
- Minnesota bears the brunt due to its large Somali diaspora.
These fast-tracked hearings could reshape lives for Somali families long awaiting resolution. The coming weeks will test the immigration system’s balance of efficiency and fairness – what do you think about these developments? Tell us in the comments.
