California Immigration Courts
6 EOIR immigration courts are located in California.
View 7 ICE detention facilities in California →Courts in California
Adelanto, CA 92301
Imperial, CA 92251
Lancaster, CA 93536
Los Angeles, CA 90014
San Diego, CA 92101
San Francisco, CA 94104
Immigration Courts in California
California is served by 6 EOIR immigration courts. Immigration courts are run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the U.S. Department of Justice — not USCIS or ICE. This is where removal (deportation) cases are heard: an immigration judge decides whether a person can remain in the United States, and rules on applications for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, and adjustment of status raised as a defense.
If you have a case before a court in California, your hearing notice lists the specific court, judge, and courtroom. Immigration court is a civil, not criminal, proceeding, and there is no government-appointed attorney — you have the right to a lawyer, but at your own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration courts are in California?
6 EOIR immigration courts serve California, each listed above with its address and jurisdiction.
What is an EOIR immigration court?
It is a court run by the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the U.S. Department of Justice. Immigration judges there hear removal (deportation) cases and decide defensive applications for asylum and other relief. It is separate from USCIS, which handles immigration benefits.
How do I check my immigration court hearing date and case status?
Call the EOIR automated hotline at 1-800-898-7180 (English and Spanish) with your A-number, or use the online ACIS portal at acis.eoir.justice.gov. Both give your next hearing date, time, and the presiding court.
Do I need a lawyer in immigration court?
You are not required to have one, but it is strongly recommended. Immigration court is a civil proceeding, so unlike criminal court there is no government-appointed attorney — you may hire your own or seek a nonprofit or pro bono representative.
What is the difference between immigration court and USCIS?
USCIS (part of DHS) decides applications for benefits like green cards, work permits, and affirmative asylum. Immigration court (part of DOJ) decides whether someone should be removed from the country and rules on defenses to removal. They are different agencies with different roles.