San Francisco immigration court closes as cases move to Concord
Updated
Updated · KGO-TV · May 2
San Francisco immigration court closes as cases move to Concord
9 articles · Updated · KGO-TV · May 2
The shutdown came on 1 May, eight months earlier than a DOJ statement had indicated, with about 15,000 San Francisco cases in limbo and at least 20 of 22 judges fired beforehand.
Advocates say Concord, which already has about 60,000 pending cases, may not begin hearings for reassigned cases until December, raising risks of missed notices, closed cases and deportation orders.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review says the move is more cost-effective and cases will be handled in Concord or remotely, while critics argue the closure targets a major asylum hub.
How will Concord Immigration Court manage the massive influx of cases and prevent years of delays with so few judges on staff?
Could the rapid restructuring of immigration courts undermine due process for vulnerable asylum seekers and lead to unjust deportations?
Over 117,000 Cases Transferred After San Francisco Immigration Court Closure Sparks Surge in In Absentia Deportations
Overview
In May 2026, the San Francisco Immigration Court abruptly closed eight months early, transferring over 117,000 cases to the already overwhelmed Concord court. This sudden shift caused massive delays, unpredictable hearing schedules, and over 800 immigrants receiving deportation orders in absentia within a week. The relocation disrupted vital legal support networks, forcing non-profits to divert resources and leaving many immigrants without adequate counsel. These challenges, combined with a national push for faster deportations and a purge of judges granting asylum, intensified backlogs and logistical barriers. The result is a strained system prioritizing rapid removals over fair hearings, creating legal deserts and deepening the crisis of access to justice for vulnerable immigrants.