SF Immigration Court Abruptly Closes as Protesters Gather Outside

An immigration court in San Francisco unexpectedly closed early on Tuesday as protests erupted against ICE actions, leading to at least two arrests by ICE agents. Judge Shuting Chen was forced to halt asylum hearings, expressing regret to the waiting applicants. Outside, a crowd of approximately 200 demonstrators shouted accusations of "kidnapping" at masked agents during the arrests. This incident stems from a broader pattern of ICE targeting immigration courts, a shift from previous practices where such venues were considered safe for immigrants seeking legal recourse. The Trump administration's stance has intensified scrutiny of these tactics, sparking outrage among activists and advocates.

On the previous day, thousands gathered in the Mission District to protest against the administration's immigration policies. A Colombian national whose hearing was canceled cited fears of persecution due to his sexual identity as the reason for his immigration to the U. S. This situation underscores the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and legal proceedings in the current political climate.