Politics
Schiff questions prolonged immigrant detentions at SFO facility
After touring the airport holding area Tuesday, Sen. Adam Schiff said some people flagged on arrival are being held beyond a 72-hour limit and cannot promptly reach family or lawyers. He said similar detentions are occurring in Southern California, including cases involving lawful permanent residents.
U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff said Tuesday that people held in an immigration detention area at San Francisco International Airport may be kept longer than federal policy allows and face delays contacting family members or legal counsel.
Schiff raised the concerns after touring the facility. He said the Department of Homeland Security is using the holding area for people whom Customs and Border Protection flags when they return from international travel, and that some are detained for more than the 72 hours permitted under policy.
Some of those held are lawful U.S. residents who become caught up in the process, Schiff said. He added that similar detentions are happening in Southern California.
The concerns center on both the length of detention and whether people can reach support or legal representation in a reasonable time. The information provided did not include a response from federal authorities.