SF court removals spike
San Francisco’s immigration court saw removal order rates surge to over 80% in 2026—up from 36% in 2024—a dramatic swing that signals tougher adjudication patterns. Observers also reported being locked out of hearings despite public-access rules, raising transparency and due-process concerns in EOIR proceedings. (x.com) (x.com)
TRAC’s month-by-month EOIR tally shows immigration judges issued removal orders in 81.9% of deportation cases completed nationwide in February 2026. (tracreports.org)) A Chronicle analysis of EOIR data counted more than 10,000 removal orders tied to the San Francisco bench since the start of 2025 and recorded a sharp year‑over‑year rise in SF rulings. (yahoo.com)) The San Francisco roster shrank dramatically: the court had 21 judges in early 2025 but reports show it fell to four by late January 2026 and to just two judges plus one assistant chief judge by late March. (missionlocal.org)) Advocates documented a spike in in‑absentia decisions, with local reports saying roughly 800 people were ordered removed in absentia in a single recent week. (kqed.org)) EOIR’s February 2026 fact sheet restricts virtual observation, states Webex links are intended for parties, and directs non‑party observers to use in‑person courtroom access. (justice.gov)) Media and legal monitors reported being denied remote viewing or physically blocked from court spaces, and watchdog groups have published findings that public‑access restrictions have increased since late 2025. (chicagotribune.com)) Local outlets and court data place San Francisco’s pending caseload between roughly 118,000 and 121,000 cases as transfers and a planned courthouse closure move cases toward the Concord docket. (ncronline.org))
