San Francisco immigration court shuts down after purge of judges

3 hours ago

San Francisco's main immigration court closed on May 1, leaving only two judges from an original 21 after firings, retirements, and resignations.
The closure reflects nationwide turmoil in immigration courts under the Trump administration, with nearly 100 judges fired and asylum denial rates rising.
Most of San Francisco's 117,000 immigration cases shifted to Concord, 30 miles away, adding to its existing 60,000-case backlog amid judge reductions.
San Francisco was known for high asylum grant rates (75% from 2019-2024 vs. 43% nationally) and strong immigrant legal representation.
Judges and attorneys report chaos: hearings canceled, cases reset with little notice, and prolonged legal limbo leaving immigrants vulnerable to deportation.
Immigration courts are run by the Justice Department, allowing judges to be fired more easily than in federal courts, undermining judicial independence.
The administration's actions are seen as part of a strategy to expedite deportations and dismantle the asylum process, with increased courthouse arrests.

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