Immigration Courts Set For Partial Shutdown To Ease Deportation Backlog
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A federal program aimed at clearing up a backlog in deportation cases will result in a partial closure of immigration courts in Los Angeles this summer.
KNX 1070's Margaret Carerro reports on a pilot program that began last December.
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The partial summer closure will last for two weeks between July 9-20 to focus efforts on some 300,000 cases involving immigrants who are currently detained and costing taxpayers big money.
The L.A. courts are just one of 7 immigration courts impacted by the shutdown, which will allow immigration attorneys to review the most pressing deportation cases, such as immigrants charged with crimes or those who have recently crossed the border illegally.
Kate Sheehey with the Executive Office of Immigration Review said there will be some adjustments made in order to keep the system running smoothly.
"For any judges who have cases that are affected that are going to be suspended, they will be hearing detained docket cases," said Sheehey.
Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement said only about half of the pending cases have been reviewed.
