Rise in ICE Detentions Drives Bay Area Immigrants to Seek Virtual Hearings

Key Takeaways

• Over 51,000 people detained by ICE nationwide as of June 1, 2025, nearly half in California facilities.
• San Francisco immigration court backlog exceeds 120,000 cases, with virtual hearings requested increasingly.
• Appealing a missed hearing now costs $900, intensifying risks for immigrants without legal representation.

The year 2025 has brought major changes for immigrants in the Bay Area, especially those facing immigration court. A sharp increase in ICE detentions has made many people afraid to attend court in person, leading to a surge in requests for virtual court hearings. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what steps immigrants need to take, and what these changes mean for pending cases and the broader community.

Summary of What Changed

Since early 2025, the number of people detained by ICE has reached its highest point since 2019. As of June 1, 2025, more than 51,000 people were being held by ICE across the United States 🇺🇸, with a large share in California. In the Bay Area, this has led to a new wave of fear among immigrants who must appear in immigration court. Many worry that showing up in person could lead to arrest and detention.

Because of this, there has been a big increase in applications for virtual court hearings. Immigrants and their lawyers are now more likely to ask judges for permission to appear by video or phone instead of going to court in person. Legal aid groups, such as La Raza Centro Legal in San Francisco, have helped dozens of people file these requests, and about half have been granted so far.

Who Is Affected

• Immigrants with Pending Court Cases: Anyone with a scheduled hearing at Bay Area immigration courts, especially in San Francisco and Concord, is directly affected. The San Francisco court alone has over 120,000 pending cases, the largest backlog in California.
• People at Risk of ICE Detention: Those who fear arrest at court are most likely to seek virtual hearings. This includes people with past removal orders, those without legal status, and anyone who has been targeted by recent enforcement actions.
• Unrepresented Immigrants: Many people do not have lawyers. For them, the risk is even higher, as missing a hearing almost always leads to a removal order.
• Legal Aid Organizations: Groups helping immigrants are seeing more requests for help with virtual hearing motions, stretching their resources thin.

Effective Dates and Current Situation

These changes are already in effect as of June and July 2025. The rise in ICE detentions and the increase in virtual hearing requests are ongoing. The higher fee for appealing a missed hearing also applies now.

Required Actions for Immigrants

If you have an upcoming immigration court hearing in the Bay Area and are worried about ICE detentions, here are the steps you should take:

1. Consider Your Risk

• Assess your situation: If you have a history that makes you a target for ICE (such as a prior removal order or criminal record), you may be at higher risk of detention if you appear in person.
• Talk to a lawyer: If possible, get legal advice. Many nonprofits offer free or low-cost help.

2. Decide Whether to Request a Virtual Hearing

• Virtual hearings are not automatic. You must ask the judge for permission.
• Not all requests are granted. Judges are more likely to approve requests based on specific, personal reasons, especially medical needs.

3. Prepare and Submit a Motion for a Virtual Hearing

• Get the right form: The motion form is available from legal aid groups or directly from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
• Include your A-number: This is your court identification number and must be on all paperwork.
• Explain your reason: The most successful motions give a clear, personal reason for needing a virtual hearing. Medical reasons, such as illness or disability, are most likely to be accepted. General fear of ICE is usually not enough.
• File early: Submit your motion 2–3 weeks before your scheduled hearing. This gives the judge time to review your request.
• Wait for a decision: About half of these motions are being granted, especially when backed by strong evidence.

4. If Granted, Prepare for Your Virtual Hearing

• Follow EOIR instructions: If your motion is approved, you will get a link and access code for your internet-based hearing.
• Check your technology: Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a device that can handle video calls.
• Be ready on time: Log in early and have all your documents ready.

5. If Denied, Attend in Person or Risk Removal

• If your motion is denied, you must attend your hearing in person. Missing a hearing almost always results in a removal order.
• Appealing a removal order now costs $900 (up from $110), making it much harder for people to challenge missed hearings.

Implications for Pending Applications and the Community

The surge in ICE detentions and the move toward virtual court hearings have several important effects:

For Immigrants

• Increased Fear and Stress: Many people now face a tough choice—risk detention by going to court or risk deportation by missing their hearing.
• Higher Costs: The new $900 fee for appealing a missed hearing puts extra pressure on those who are already struggling.
• Uneven Access: Those with lawyers or strong medical reasons have a better chance of getting a virtual hearing. People without legal help or with only general fears of ICE are less likely to succeed.

For Legal Aid Groups

• More Demand: Nonprofits like La Raza Centro Legal are helping more people than ever, but their resources are limited.
• Pro Se Filings: Many immigrants are filing motions on their own (pro se), with about half being granted. Legal aid can improve these odds.

For the Courts

• Backlog Grows: The San Francisco court’s backlog is now over 120,000 cases, with nearly 2.2 million asylum claims pending nationwide.
• No-Show Problem: Judges are worried about the rising number of people missing hearings out of fear, which leads to more removal orders and appeals.

For ICE and Federal Policy

• Enforcement Focus: The Trump administration’s policies have increased ICE detentions and courthouse arrests, especially in California.
• More Detentions: As of June 2025, ICE held over 51,000 people, with nearly 44% in California facilities.

For Families and the Community

• Separation Risks: More detentions mean more families are being separated.
• Community Tension: Fear of ICE detentions at court affects not just those in proceedings, but entire neighborhoods.

Key Data and Trends

• ICE detentions: Over 51,000 people detained nationwide as of June 1, 2025; nearly double the number from January.
• Bay Area backlog: San Francisco court has over 120,000 pending cases; Concord court has about 60,000.
• Virtual hearing motions: About 50% of pro se motions granted; higher success for those with strong, specific reasons.
• Removal orders: In March 2025, judges issued removal or voluntary departure in 47% of completed cases.
• Legal representation: Only 21.6% of immigrants had lawyers when removal orders were issued.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Virtual Immigration Court Hearing

1. Get the Motion Form
   • Find the form through legal aid groups or the EOIR website.
2. Fill Out the Cover Page
   • Include your A-number and all case details.
3. Write Your Argument
   • Clearly explain why you need a virtual hearing. Medical reasons work best.
4. Submit the Motion Early
   • File it 2–3 weeks before your hearing date.
5. Wait for the Judge’s Decision
   • If granted, you’ll get instructions for your virtual hearing.
6. Prepare for the Hearing
   • Make sure you have the right technology and documents.
7. If Denied, Attend in Person
   • Missing your hearing can lead to a removal order and a $900 appeal fee.

What Legal Experts and Community Groups Say

• Individualized Motions Matter: Experts stress that each motion should be personal and well-documented. General fear of ICE is not enough.
• Legal Aid Is Key: Nonprofits are helping as many people as they can, but the need is greater than ever.
• Difficult Choices: Many immigrants feel trapped—risking detention or certain deportation.

Official Resources

• EOIR Virtual Hearing Access: Find your immigration court and access internet-based hearings
• La Raza Centro Legal: Offers help with virtual hearing motions in San Francisco.
• ICE Detention Information: ICE Detention Management
• California DOJ Immigration Detention Reports: California Attorney General Immigration Reports

If You Need Help

• Contact your court: If you’re not sure whether your hearing is in person or virtual, call your assigned immigration court.
• Seek legal aid: Groups like La Raza Centro Legal can help with motions and advice.
• Check official websites: Always use official government sources for forms and instructions.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

• Continued Enforcement: ICE detentions are likely to stay high, and courthouse arrests may increase.
• Court Backlogs: Delays and backlogs will probably get worse before they get better.
• Policy Changes Possible: Future changes in federal or state policy could affect how virtual hearings are handled.
• Calls for Reform: Many advocates are pushing for more resources for legal aid and court modernization.

Practical Takeaways for Immigrants

• Act Early: If you want a virtual hearing, file your motion as soon as possible.
• Be Specific: Give clear, personal reasons for your request, with medical evidence if possible.
• Don’t Miss Your Hearing: Missing court almost always leads to a removal order and a high appeal fee.
• Get Help: Legal aid can make a big difference in your chances of success.

Conclusion

The increase in ICE detentions in the Bay Area has changed the way immigrants approach their court cases. Many are now seeking virtual court hearings to avoid the risk of arrest, but the process is not automatic and requires careful preparation. The stakes are higher than ever, with a growing backlog, higher fees, and more families at risk of separation.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the best way to protect your rights is to act early, seek legal help, and follow all court instructions closely. For the most current information and official forms, visit the EOIR’s official page for internet-based hearings.

By staying informed and prepared, immigrants in the Bay Area can better face the challenges of 2025’s changing immigration landscape.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detentions.
Virtual Court Hearing → A remote immigration court appearance via video or phone instead of attending in person.
A-number → Alien number, a unique identification code assigned to each immigration case by the courts.
Removal Order → An official court order directing an immigrant’s deportation or departure from the United States.
EOIR → Executive Office for Immigration Review, the government agency overseeing immigration court proceedings.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, rising ICE detentions in the Bay Area have sparked a surge in virtual court hearing requests. Immigrants fear in-person arrests, while courts face large backlogs and costly appeals. Legal aid groups struggle to assist many. Early, well-prepared motions are key to securing virtual hearings and protection.
— By VisaVerge.com