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Original Date Announced
November 1, 2025The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) released a fact sheet on observing immigration court hearings. Among other things, it states that the Webex links posted on the EOIR website used for online immigration court proceedings are "for parties appearing remotely." The policy directs that non-party observers "should observe in person at the courtroom in which the hearing is scheduled and held." Observers are not required to check in with court personnel before observing, but may be asked to identify themselves at the start of a hearing. The announcement also directs members of the press to identify themselves to the immigration court upon arrival.
Previously, both parties and observers from the general public were permitted to access most immigration court proceedings online.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2227]
2025.11 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court HearingsEffective Date
November 1, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
February 27, 20262026.02.27 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
The EOIR released a new fact sheet on observing immigration court hearings, with substantive provisions unchanged.
View DocumentSubsequent Trump and Court Action
June 30, 20262026.06 EOIR - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
EOIR published an updated fact sheet on observing immigration court hearings. Compared to previous versions, the revised guidelines add additional provisions for observing internet-based immigration hearings where no physical courtroom is available. They state that internet-based immigration hearings are open to the public and subject to the same exceptions that govern the closure of in-person immigration hearings. Among other things, they provide that visitors must enter any virtual hearing room under their full legal name, which must be visible at all times; that visitors may not speak, use the “raise hand” feature, or use the chat box unless invited by the judge; and that the maximum number of visitors is limited to 20.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Hearings and AdjudicationsAssociated or Derivative Policies
Pre Trump-Era Policies
- January 1, 2018 2018.01 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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New Policy
Original Source:
2025.11 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
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Prior Policy
Original Source:
2018.01 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
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Subsequent Action
Original Source:
2026.02.27 EOIR Fact Sheet - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
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Subsequent Action
Original Source:
2026.06 EOIR - Observing Immigration Court Hearings
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Commentary
2025.12 Acacia - Restrictions on Public Access Undermine Transparency in Immigration Courts
The Acacia Center for Justice outlines the legal framework governing public access to immigration court proceedings and explains how recent EOIR guidance and rules have served to shut out court observers.
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