Walking into the immigration court in Phoenix AZ feels a lot like entering a different world, one where the air is a bit thinner and the stakes are impossibly high. It is located at 200 East Mitchell Drive, Suite 200. If you’ve ever driven past that part of Phoenix, you know it’s not exactly a grand courthouse with marble pillars. It’s a functional, somewhat sterile office building that holds the future of thousands of families in its filing cabinets.
Honestly, it’s stressful. You see people in suits, people in work clothes, and kids who don’t really get why they’re sitting on hard chairs for hours. Most people think they’re just going to talk to a judge and explain their situation. But it’s never that simple. The system is a beast.
The Reality of the Mitchell Drive Courthouse
The Phoenix Immigration Court is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It isn't a criminal court. You aren't there because you're a "criminal" in the traditional sense, but you are in "removal proceedings." That’s the government’s fancy way of saying they are trying to deport you.
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One thing that trips people up is the address. There used to be a lot of confusion with the 7th Avenue location, but the main non-detained court—the one where you go if you aren't currently in jail—is the Mitchell Drive spot.
The court operates from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but don't expect to just walk in and get help at 3:55 PM. The window actually closes for lunch between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM every single day. If you show up then to file a document, you’re just going to be staring at a closed glass partition.
Who is Actually Judging Your Case?
In Phoenix, your fate is decided by an Immigration Judge (IJ). These aren't elected officials like the ones you see on local ballots. They are appointed by the U.S. Attorney General. As of early 2026, the roster in Phoenix includes names like John Cortes, Elizabeth Cottor, Jennifer Gaz, Marni Guerrero, Paul Habich, Melissa Karlen, and Munish Sharda.
Each judge has their own "vibe." Some are known for being sticklers for every single comma in a filing. Others might give you a bit more leeway if your lawyer is late because of Phoenix traffic—which, let's be real, is always a nightmare.
I’ve heard stories of people showing up without a lawyer, thinking they can just wing it. Don't. The judge is a lawyer. The government’s attorney (the one trying to deport you) is a lawyer. If you aren't, you're playing a game where everyone else knows the rules and you're just trying to figure out which way is up.
The Massive 2026 Backlog
You’ve probably heard that the system is slow. "Slow" is an understatement. It's more like a glacier.
As we hit 2026, the backlog is still massive. According to TRAC (Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse), the average wait time for an immigration case can be anywhere from 1.7 years to over 4 years. If you are applying for asylum, expect to be in the system for a long, long time.
Why does this matter? Because while you wait, life happens. You get a job. You have kids. You move. But if you move and don't tell the immigration court in Phoenix AZ, you are in huge trouble.
The "In Absentia" Nightmare
This is the one thing that keeps immigration lawyers up at night. If the court mails you a notice for a hearing and you don't show up because you moved and didn't update your address (Form EOIR-33/IC), the judge can order you deported "in absentia."
That basically means you lose by default. You weren't there to defend yourself, so the government wins.
Checking Your Status (Without Losing Your Mind)
The good news is that you don't have to just sit by the mailbox. There is an automated system. You can call 1-800-898-7180 or check the EOIR website. You’ll need your A-Number. That’s the 8 or 9-digit number that starts with the letter A on all your paperwork.
It’s sorta weird, but the phone system and the website sometimes have different info. The website (ACIS) is usually more detailed, but I always tell people to check both.
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What Happens Inside the Courtroom?
The first time you go, it’s usually for a Master Calendar Hearing.
This is not the trial. It’s more like a "check-in." It usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. The judge will ask if you have a lawyer, what language you speak, and what kind of "relief" you are seeking (like asylum, cancellation of removal, or a green card through a spouse).
The real deal is the Individual Calendar Hearing.
This is the trial. This is where you bring witnesses. This is where you testify. It can take hours. In Phoenix, these are often scheduled years in advance. If you miss this one, there’s almost no coming back from it.
Remote Hearings: The New Normal
Since the 2020s started, a lot of hearings have gone digital. You might be standing in a room at Mitchell Drive, but the judge is on a screen. Or you might be at home on a Webex call.
| Judge Name | Webex Link (Typical) | Access Code |
|---|---|---|
| Irene Feldman | eoir.webex.com/meet/ACIJ.Feldman | 199 938 9070 |
| John Cortes | eoir.webex.com/meet/IJ.Cortes | 199 600 6050 |
| Paul Habich | eoir.webex.com/meet/IJ.Habich | 199 387 6669 |
Note: Always double-check your specific hearing notice for the most current link.
Getting Help in Phoenix
You don't have to do this alone. Phoenix actually has some decent resources if you can't afford a high-priced attorney.
- The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project (FIRRP): These guys are legends. They work with people in and out of detention.
- Catholic Charities (Familias Unidas): They’ve been around forever and help with everything from DACA to full court representation.
- ASU and U of A Law Clinics: Sometimes law students (supervised by real experts) can take on cases for free.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Missing the 1-Year Asylum Deadline: If you’re applying for asylum, you generally have to file within one year of arriving in the U.S. If you wait until your first court date, and that date is two years away, you might already be too late.
- Bringing Kids to Long Hearings: Unless the judge specifically says the kids need to be there, it’s usually better to leave them with a sitter. Court is boring and stressful.
- Not Bringing an Interpreter: The court provides an interpreter for the hearing, but you need to make sure the judge knows what language you speak well in advance.
- Trusting "Notarios": In many countries, a notario is a lawyer. In the U.S., a notary public is just someone who witnesses signatures. They cannot give legal advice. Every year, people in Phoenix lose their cases because a notario gave them bad advice or filed the wrong forms.
Actionable Steps You Should Take Right Now
If you have a case pending at the immigration court in Phoenix AZ, don't just wait for the mail. Be proactive.
- Confirm your address: If you’ve moved in the last 5 years, make sure the court has your current address. Use Form EOIR-33/IC.
- Call the hotline weekly: Dial 1-800-898-7180 every Monday morning. Dates change. Cases get moved. Don't be the last to know.
- Gather your "Life File": Start a folder. Put in birth certificates, marriage licenses, tax returns, and any letters from people who can testify to your good character. It’s much easier to find these things now than a week before your trial.
- Consult a real attorney: Even if you can't afford one for the whole case, pay for a one-hour consultation with a reputable immigration lawyer. Ask them about the "prosecutorial discretion" policies for 2026—sometimes the government is willing to close cases that aren't a priority.
- Check for "Administrative Closure": Sometimes, if you have a pending application with USCIS (like a marriage-based green card), the judge might agree to "pause" your court case. This is a huge win because it takes the immediate threat of deportation off the table.
The system is intimidating, but knowledge is your best defense. Stay on top of your dates, keep your paperwork organized, and never skip a hearing.