Increase in ICE detentions leading Bay Area immigrants to apply for virtual court hearings

Bay Area lawyers are urging undocumented immigrants to request virtual court hearings amid rising ICE detentions at immigration courts. Bill Hing, a law professor, emphasizes the fear gripping the immigrant community, as many feel they must attend court to avoid deportation. The nonprofit La Raza Centro Legal assists individuals in filing motions for virtual hearings, with approximately 70 community members successfully navigating the process. Legal director Jordan Weiner explains that judges frequently grant these requests for medical reasons, though general fears of ICE arrests are less effective. The fee for appealing missed hearings has jumped from $110 to $900, further complicating the situation for undocumented immigrants.

Legal experts recommend submitting requests two to three weeks in advance to allow judges adequate time to decide. This trend underscores the increasing challenges faced by undocumented individuals in the Bay Area. As the political landscape shifts, the safety of immigrants continues to be a pressing concern.