San Francisco immigration court shuts down after purge of judges, leaving asylum cases in chaos
San Francisco's main immigration court has closed, resulting in significant disruption for asylum seekers in the area. The court's closure follows a purge of judges, leaving only two remaining judges to handle cases from a different location. This situation reflects broader turmoil in the immigration court system, exacerbating delays and challenges for immigrants seeking asylum.
- ▪The San Francisco immigration court closed on May 1, 2026, after a significant reduction in judges due to a White House purge.
- ▪Most of the court's 117,000 cases have been transferred to a courthouse in Concord, which is facing its own staffing issues.
- ▪San Francisco's immigration court was known for its favorable asylum rulings, with nearly 75% of petitioners receiving relief from 2019 to 2024.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onSan Francisco immigration court shuts down after purge of judges, leaving asylum cases in chaosSan Francisco's main immigration court has closed, leaving chaos and dysfunction in a region long known for its friendliness to asylum seekersByOLGA R. RODRIGUEZ Associated PressMay 22, 2026, 7:20 PM1:12Oliverio Mora Huerta, left, is interviewed with his family before going to Immigration Court Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Concord, Calif.
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