Immigration Hearings in DHS Buildings: No Signs and No Public Access

Since September, some immigration hearings have been held in federal offices controlled by DHS, such as FEMA headquarters in Washington and an ICE floor in Manhattan. Attorneys and members of Congress report missing notices and blocked access.

At Campos Law Firm, we closely monitor developments in U.S. immigration policy to protect our clients’ rights and future. Since September 2026, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has been scheduling some hearings in spaces that are not traditional immigration courts, including buildings controlled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with judges appearing by video.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has raised the alarm, and members of Congress who visited these sites have confirmed it. Below, we explain what we know, what we don’t, and how to protect your case.

Where Are These Hearings Taking Place?

According to an AILA policy brief dated September 28, hearings are being held at FEMA headquarters in Washington, D.C., on the third floor of the 26 Federal Plaza federal building in New York, which is controlled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and in Los Angeles. The regular immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza has operated for years on the 12th floor.

AILA adds that new locations are being considered in Chicago, Denver, Miami, and San Antonio. None of these sites is listed as an immigration court on EOIR’s website. There are no signs at the FEMA location, and according to AILA, reaching the building lobby means walking through a McDonald’s.

What Problems Are Attorneys and Lawmakers Reporting?

Late or missing notices: according to AILA, many people learn of the location change at the last minute or not at all.
In absentia removal orders: in New York, at least nine people were ordered removed in a single session for failing to appear, AILA reports.
People without lawyers: AILA says these sites are being used mainly for people who have no legal representation.
Blocked access: Rep. Greg Stanton, an Arizona Democrat, said officers denied him entry to the FEMA courtroom on September 23; he was eventually let in, but his staff was not.

The law generally requires immigration hearings to be open to the public, with exceptions such as cases involving children or abuse victims. Stanton and Rep. Jamie Raskin have written to the agencies demanding answers.

What Does the Government Say?

An EOIR spokeswoman told the nonprofit newsroom THE CITY that the agency is “making scheduling adjustments,” including opening new hearing locations as needed so that cases are handled “in a timely and lawful manner.” She also said the agency may close courtrooms to the public at any time.

DHS did not respond to American Community Media’s requests for comment. There is no official announcement yet listing every location or explaining how cases are assigned, so this should be treated as a developing story.

What Can You Do to Avoid Missing Your Hearing?

Check your case often: confirm the date and location through EOIR’s online case information portal or by calling 1-800-898-7180, not just through a paper notice.
Keep your address current: if you move, notify the court on Form EOIR-33 within five days.
Arrive early and document everything: if you cannot find the courtroom, take photos, note the time, and ask staff for written confirmation.
Get legal representation: an attorney can spot location changes and help you respond in time.
If you were ordered removed in absentia: act quickly. The law allows you to ask to reopen your case, but the deadlines and requirements are strict.

In a country where every decision can change your future, having the right information is your best tool. You can also revisit our explainer on why missing a hearing is the worst move you can make.

Protect Your Immigration Status with Campos Law Firm

A location change you do not catch in time can end in a removal order. Our immigration attorneys can review your file, confirm where and how your next hearing will take place, and stand with you at every step. Campos Law Firm is here to help you.

Do not leave your immigration status to chance. Call us today at +1 (844) 922-6767 to schedule a free, confidential consultation in English or Spanish. Campos Law Firm: Legal Solutions in All Areas of Law.

With information from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), American Community Media, and Border Report.

Share the Post:

Judge Orders ICE Detainee Released: Old Records Do Not Prove Flight Risk

A federal judge granted habeas corpus to a Peruvian immigrant detained since April 2025, finding that the immigration judge denied bond without explaining why his record made him a flight risk.

DHS Proposes a $70,000 Per-Student OPT Fee: What Changes and What Doesn’t

The Department of Homeland Security proposed charging schools $70,000 for each F-1 student who starts OPT and $30,000 for each later authorization. For now, it is only a proposal.