Resolution condemning the systematic dismantling of the San Francisco immigration court system and urging the Department of Justice to keep the San Francisco Immigration Court open to guarantee due process for all immigrants seeking a path towards citizenship.

This resolution condemns the "systematic dismantling" of the San Francisco immigration court system and urges the Department of Justice to keep the San Francisco Immigration Court open. The court, located at Montgomery Street, is a major hub for asylum cases and serves as the primary court for a large geographic area. The resolution highlights that the court is set to close by January 2027 as its lease will not be renewed. It notes a significant reduction in judges, from 21 to 4, with 120,000 cases pending. The Department of Justice plans to consolidate remaining staff and cases in Concord, California, which also faces a large backlog and judge reductions. The resolution argues that closing the San Francisco court will hinder asylum seekers' access to critical legal aid services and suggests the Department of Justice's actions prioritize speeding up deportations over ensuring fair hearings.

This resolution expresses the Board of Supervisors' condemnation of the San Francisco Immigration Court's closure. It aims to ensure continued due process for immigrants by urging the Department of Justice to keep the court open, which could impact individuals seeking asylum or a path to citizenship.

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