What Happened to San Francisco Immigration Court?

The San Francisco Immigration Court, a component of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) under the Department of Justice, has undergone a dramatic transformation, culminating in its effective closure as an independent court in 2026. For years, it was known for having one of the highest rates of legal representation for immigrants and a relatively high asylum grant rate compared to the national average.

The seeds of its dismantling were sown amid a nationwide increase in immigration case backlogs and a shift in federal immigration policy. By the end of 2024, the U.S. immigration court system faced a record 3.7 million pending cases, with San Francisco alone having over 120,000 pending cases in fiscal year 2025, the largest backlog in California. Immigrants in San Francisco were waiting an average of 914 days (2.5 years) for a decision.

A key turning point was the significant reduction in the number of immigration judges. Starting in 2025, the Trump administration initiated a series of firings, retirements, and resignations that drastically cut the court's judicial staff. The San Francisco court, which began 2025 with 21 judges, was reduced to just two by March 2026, with 12 judges reportedly fired and others leaving. Critics, including former judges, viewed this as a 'purge' targeting judges perceived as too liberal or those with high asylum grant rates, rather than a genuine cost-saving measure.

In March 2026, the EOIR announced its intention to close the San Francisco courthouse at 100 Montgomery Street by 2027, citing cost-effectiveness and a plan to move cases to the Concord Immigration Court, which opened in 2024 to help manage the backlog. However, the closure was accelerated, with the Montgomery Street location abruptly shutting down on May 1, 2026, months ahead of schedule. The remaining San Francisco court at 630 Sansome Street is not closing entirely but will become a satellite hearing location under the administrative control of the Concord Immigration Court, effective September 4, 2026.

The consequences of these actions have been significant, causing widespread confusion and logistical challenges for immigrants, attorneys, and non-profit organizations. Thousands of cases have been transferred to the Concord court, located 30 miles away, or other regional courts like Oakland and Los Angeles. This has led to unexpected hearing changes, delays, and concerns that many individuals, particularly those with unstable addresses or language barriers, may miss crucial court dates and face deportation orders. The capacity of the Concord court to absorb such a massive caseload, especially with its own reduced number of judges, remains a major concern.

As of May 25, 2026, the main San Francisco Immigration Court at 100 Montgomery Street is closed, and its operations have been largely shifted. The 630 Sansome Street location continues to operate temporarily but will transition to a satellite role under Concord's administration later this year. The future of immigration hearings for Bay Area residents is now predominantly tied to the Concord Immigration Court, with ongoing challenges related to access, delays, and judicial capacity.