Tennessee has one EOIR immigration court, located in Memphis. The Memphis Immigration Court covers a large multi-state region including Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi north of Jackson. It handles both detained and non-detained cases from these states. The primary ICE detention facility serving the Memphis court's Tennessee docket is West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason (Tipton County), operated by CoreCivic and reopened in fall 2025.
ICE arrests in Tennessee roughly doubled after January 2025, with the New Orleans Area of Responsibility (which includes Tennessee) among the highest enforcement regions in the country. A planned mega-facility in Lebanon (Wilson County) was announced in February 2026 but canceled by February 25, 2026.
This page explains how immigration court works in Tennessee, how to find hearing information, and what the removal proceeding process looks like from start to finish.
The Memphis Immigration Court
Memphis Immigration Court
Brinkley Plaza
80 Monroe Avenue, Suite G-10
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
The Memphis court covers the Memphis DHS sub-office, which includes Louisville, Kentucky; Tennessee; Arkansas; and Mississippi north of Jackson. Additional hearing locations include West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, Tennessee. Non-detained respondents throughout Tennessee appear before the Memphis court. Detained respondents at West Tennessee Detention Facility have hearings at the facility, typically by video teleconference.
Always use the EOIR Automated Case Information System at 800-898-7180 to confirm the controlling court and hearing location.
How Immigration Court Differs From Criminal Court
Immigration court is a civil proceeding, not a criminal one. Removal proceedings take place before an immigration judge employed by the Department of Justice through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The government is represented by a DHS attorney from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). The person in proceedings is called the respondent.
Being in removal proceedings is not a criminal charge and does not result in a criminal sentence. The outcome is either a grant of relief that allows the person to remain in the United States in some legal status, or a removal order directing them to leave. There is no jury. There is no public defender equivalent.
The respondent has the right to be represented by an attorney at their own expense. There is no right to a government-appointed attorney in immigration court except in narrow circumstances involving serious mental competency concerns. Not having a free attorney does not mean going without legal help. Legal aid organizations and nonprofits provide free or reduced-cost representation. Resources appear at the end of this page.
A word on notario fraud: in many countries, a notario publico is a licensed legal professional. In the United States, that title has no equivalent legal standing. Notarios, immigration consultants, and non-lawyers cannot represent people in immigration court and cannot legally provide immigration advice. Verify any representative's credentials before paying. Only a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative can appear in immigration court on someone's behalf.
The Removal Proceeding: Step by Step
Step one: The Notice to Appear
A removal proceeding begins when DHS issues a Notice to Appear (NTA). This is the charging document in immigration court. It identifies the grounds for removal and directs the person to appear before an immigration court. The NTA may or may not include a hearing date when served. If it does not, a separate hearing notice will arrive by mail.
Keeping the court and DHS informed of any address change is required by law. Use Form EOIR-33 to update the court and separately notify DHS OPLA within five days of any move. If a hearing notice goes to an old address and the respondent does not appear, the immigration judge can issue an in absentia order of removal.
Step two: The Master Calendar Hearing
The first court appearance is a master calendar hearing. These are short administrative sessions where the immigration judge manages the case, confirms the respondent understands the charges and their rights, asks about legal representation, and sets the schedule. At master calendar, the respondent enters a plea to the NTA charges, identifies forms of relief they intend to seek, and establishes a timeline.
Step three: The Individual Hearing
After master calendar, the case moves to an individual hearing, also called a merits hearing. The immigration judge hears testimony, receives evidence, and may question the respondent and witnesses. The DHS trial attorney presents the government's case. Common forms of relief include asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and voluntary departure.
Step four: Bond Hearings
If a respondent is detained, they may request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. A bond hearing is separate from the removal hearing. Bond for Tennessee detainees posts at the New Orleans ERO: 1250 Poydras Street, Suite 325, New Orleans, LA 70113 | 504-599-7800.
Not all detained respondents are eligible for a standard bond hearing. Those subject to mandatory detention may need to seek release through the federal courts via a habeas corpus petition.
For West Tennessee Detention Facility detainees, attorney visits are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM and Saturday through Sunday 8 AM to noon. Schedule at westtnlegalvisitation@corecivic.com.
Step five: The Decision and Appeal
After the individual hearing, the immigration judge issues a written decision. If removal is ordered, the respondent has the right to appeal to the BIA within 30 calendar days. Tennessee falls within the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. A petition for review must be filed in the Sixth Circuit within 30 days of the BIA's order.
How to Find Hearing Information
EOIR Automated Case Information System: 800-898-7180 (English and Spanish; TDD: 800-828-1120). Available 24 hours a day. Online: acis.eoir.justice.gov
Memphis Immigration Court: Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe Avenue, Suite G-10, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
New Orleans ERO (bond): 1250 Poydras Street, Suite 325, New Orleans, LA 70113 | 504-599-7800
West Tennessee Detention Facility: 6299 Finde Naifeh Drive, Mason, TN 38049 | 901-294-3060
If You Miss a Hearing
Missing an immigration court hearing is one of the most serious events in a removal case. If a respondent does not appear and has been properly notified, the immigration judge will typically issue an in absentia order of removal. If a hearing has been missed, contact an immigration attorney immediately.
How Detention Connects to the Court Process
For families with a detained loved one in Tennessee, the InmateAid guide to ICE detention in Tennessee covers West Tennessee Detention Facility (Mason), Putnam County Jail (Cookeville), Knox County Jail (Knoxville), and Davidson County hold room - including visiting, Talton/GettingOut tablets, dress code, money, and mail procedures.
Legal Resources for Tennessee Respondents
Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) - tirrc.org | 615-833-0384 | Nashville - Primary statewide immigrant rights organization. Rapid response, legal referrals. First call for Tennessee ICE detention issues.
West Tennessee Legal Services - wtls.org | 731-423-0616 | Jackson - Free civil legal services near West Tennessee Detention Facility.
Catholic Charities of Tennessee - cctenn.org | 615-352-3087 - Immigration legal services statewide.
CLINIC Affiliates - cliniclegal.org - Search by ZIP code.
EOIR Free Legal Services List - justice.gov/eoir/free-legal-services-providers
This page provides factual information about the immigration court process as it applies to Tennessee. It is not legal advice. Information reflects conditions as of June 2026.