Immigration Courts Fast-Track Somali Asylum Hearings

Lawyers fear the move is the first step toward deportation without due process.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Dozens of asylum cases filed by Somali migrants in immigration courts were suddenly rescheduled and recategorized over the weekend, according to four lawyers interviewed by NPR. The lawyers fear this appears to be a coordinated effort between the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Department of Homeland Security to reject Somali asylum applications without court hearings, fast-tracking their deportation and limiting due process.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's rhetoric toward Somali immigrants and emphasis on deportations raise concerns that the notices represent the first step toward the removal without due process of Somali asylum applicants in the country. This could have significant implications for the Somali immigrant community, particularly those with Temporary Protected Status who face deportation after the program expires.

The details

More than 100 cases have been affected, with lawyers across at least three states receiving notices that moved up hearings for their Somali clients to later this month and next month. Some of these hearings were previously scheduled to take place by 2028, while others hadn't yet been scheduled. The cases appear to have been referred to a set of immigration judges who grant asylum at lower rates than the national average.

  • Lawyers received the notices starting Friday night.
  • The rescheduled hearings are set for later this month and next month.
  • In November, the Trump administration terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, setting the program to expire on March 17, 2026.

The players

Executive Office for Immigration Review

An agency inside the Department of Justice that houses immigration courts.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal department responsible for immigration enforcement.

Jim Stolley

The chief counsel for ICE in Minnesota, who retired from public service at the end of last week.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— David Wilson, Minnesota immigration attorney (NPR)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday whether or not to allow the Somali asylum seekers to have their full day in court.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to fast-track the deportation of Somali asylum seekers without due process, raising questions about the politicization of the immigration court system and the potential impact on the Somali immigrant community.