San Diego, CA, December 28, 2025
A coalition of activists, volunteers, and clergy members in San Diego has intensified efforts to monitor immigration enforcement at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse. Since May, there has been a rise in detentions by ICE agents immediately after immigration hearings, with activists documenting these detentions and offering support to affected individuals. This local response reflects broader national concerns about the evolving nature of immigration enforcement as policies change.
Activists in San Diego Monitor Immigration Enforcement in Real Time
San Diego, CA – A coalition of activists, volunteers, and clergy members has been actively monitoring immigration enforcement at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse in downtown San Diego. Their efforts aim to document and respond to the increasing number of detentions occurring within the courthouse premises.
Increased Detentions Inside the Courthouse
Since May 2025, there has been a notable rise in the number of individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents immediately after their immigration hearings. Previously, such detentions were uncommon, but now, many individuals are being arrested as they exit the courtrooms. These detainees are often held in the courthouse’s basement for up to four days before being transferred to detention centers or deported. Conditions in this makeshift holding area have been reported as cold, lacking privacy, and without adequate medical attention.
Activist Response and Documentation
In response to these developments, groups like Detention Resistance and FAITH have intensified their presence at the courthouse. They document detentions, provide support to those affected, and raise awareness about the changing enforcement practices. Their activities include observing court proceedings, recording detentions, and offering assistance to detainees and their families.
Broader Context of Immigration Enforcement
This local monitoring aligns with a nationwide trend where ICE has been targeting undocumented immigrants during routine legal processes, such as green card interviews. In cities like San Diego, individuals seeking lawful permanent residency have been detained at their interviews, marking a shift from past practices where such proceedings were considered relatively safe.
Community Patrols and Support
Beyond courthouse monitoring, community patrols have been organized to watch for ICE activities in neighborhoods with high immigrant populations. These patrols aim to prevent family separations and provide support to those at risk of deportation. Activists conduct these patrols to spot undercover vehicles and alert the community, ensuring that families are not separated.
Legal and Policy Developments
In January 2025, ICE issued a memorandum rescinding previous guidelines, allowing for more discretion in conducting enforcement actions in or near protected areas, including courthouses. This policy change has led to increased detentions within courthouse premises, prompting concerns among immigrant rights groups and legal observers.
Conclusion
The heightened monitoring and response by activists in San Diego reflect a broader national concern regarding the evolving nature of immigration enforcement. As policies and practices continue to change, community vigilance and support remain crucial in addressing the challenges faced by immigrant communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the role of activists at the San Diego courthouse?
Activists, volunteers, and clergy members monitor immigration enforcement at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse to document detentions, provide support to affected individuals, and raise awareness about changing enforcement practices.
How have ICE enforcement practices changed recently?
ICE has increased detentions within courthouse premises, arresting individuals immediately after their immigration hearings. Detainees are often held in the courthouse’s basement for up to four days before being transferred to detention centers or deported.
What are community patrols, and how do they operate?
Community patrols are organized by activists to monitor neighborhoods with high immigrant populations for ICE activities. They aim to prevent family separations and provide support to those at risk of deportation by spotting undercover vehicles and alerting the community.
What recent policy changes have affected immigration enforcement?
In January 2025, ICE issued a memorandum rescinding previous guidelines, allowing for more discretion in conducting enforcement actions in or near protected areas, including courthouses. This policy change has led to increased detentions within courthouse premises.
Key Features of the Situation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Detentions | ICE agents are detaining individuals immediately after their immigration hearings at the courthouse, holding them in the basement for up to four days before transfer. |
| Activist Monitoring | Groups like Detention Resistance and FAITH are documenting detentions, providing support, and raising awareness about changing enforcement practices. |
| Community Patrols | Activists conduct patrols in immigrant neighborhoods to monitor and alert the community about ICE activities, aiming to prevent family separations. |
| Policy Changes | In January 2025, ICE rescinded previous guidelines, allowing more discretion in enforcement actions near protected areas, including courthouses. |
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