San Francisco Immigration Court Shuts Down After Protests Against ICE Arrests

A major protest outside the San Francisco Immigration Court led to the shutdown of court proceedings on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, after multiple immigrants were detained by ICE agents earlier that day.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse on 100 Montgomery Street in downtown San Francisco to speak out against President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy. The protest was sparked by the arrest of at least four immigrants by plainclothes ICE officers.

What Happened Outside Court

According to NBC Bay Area, the arrests began around 9:30 a.m. when agents in plain clothes and masks took a man into an unmarked vehicle. Over the next hour, three more people — including one man from Guatemala — were detained and taken away in similar vans.

The protests quickly grew in size, with people chanting “No ICE, no wall, sanctuary for all.” As tensions rose, the court canceled its afternoon session. Officials said those who missed their court hearings would be given new dates.

Why People Are Protesting

The protests were fueled by concerns over Trump’s large-scale deportation plan, which the administration claims is focused on removing dangerous criminals. But immigrant rights groups say nonviolent immigrants are also being detained, creating fear and chaos in communities.

Many worry that ICE arrests at courthouses will discourage immigrants from appearing in court, even when they are victims or witnesses of crimes.

“This will scare people from coming to court,” said John Sandweg, former acting ICE director under Obama. “It’s not helpful for law enforcement or justice.”

Federal Response

Despite the backlash, the federal government said enforcement will continue. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, stated: “ICE will continue to enforce the law. If you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Meanwhile, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, now Homeland Security Secretary, also defended the crackdown, calling protesters “rioters” and doubling down on the administration’s approach.

Voices from the Protest

Sanika Mahajan, a protest organizer, said: “This is not just about immigrants. This is a fight for all of us. If they can come for immigrants today, they can come for any of us tomorrow.”

Her words reflect the growing concern that immigration enforcement is affecting broader civil rights.

What’s Next

More protests are expected in cities across California, especially following unrest in Los Angeles over the weekend. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom has pushed back legally against the federal government, while Trump has made bold calls for his arrest.

Court officials in San Francisco say they will reschedule hearings for those affected by Tuesday’s closure. Immigrant advocacy groups are urging people to document any ICE activity and contact legal aid if needed.