Four out of five asylum seekers arrested Friday in S.F. immigration court

On Friday, only five out of fifteen scheduled asylum seekers attended their hearings at a San Francisco immigration court, indicating a possible fear of detention. Judge Joseph Park held a remote hearing for an asylum seeker, scheduling a final appearance for 2028, while attorneys from Homeland Security moved to dismiss other cases. This tactic has been used to detain immigrants more frequently, raising alarms among advocates. A 20-year-old asylum seeker, supported by a church group, pleaded with the judge to consider his situation and not dismiss his case. The judge did not rule on the motions that day but indicated he would respond later.

As the hearings concluded, ICE arrested four asylum seekers, including the young man, immediately following their court appearances. This reflects the ongoing tension and anxiety surrounding the asylum process in the United States. The situation highlights the urgent need for legal protections and support for vulnerable populations navigating the immigration system.