Green Card Holders Detained for Days at SFO Airport

Green Card Holders Face Extended Detention at San Francisco International Airport

Reports of immigrants, including lawful permanent residents, being held for days at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) have prompted scrutiny from lawmakers. Senator Alex Padilla recently visited the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) holding area at SFO to investigate these concerns. His visit highlighted issues surrounding prolonged detention, with a particular focus on individuals holding valid green cards who have experienced lengthy stays beyond the typical 72-hour limit.

The facility in question is a 3,000-square-foot space within the International Terminal. Accounts from individuals who have been held there describe conditions that raise questions about adequate care and legal access. These reports suggest that some travelers are being detained for extended periods, leading to disruptions in medical care and uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.

Extended Holds at SFO

An examination of airport detention records from January through July 2026 revealed that 25 individuals were held at SFO for more than 72 hours. Of this group, a significant number, 19, possessed valid green cards. Nationally, during the same period, over 400 people experienced detentions exceeding 72 hours at international airports. SFO ranked second among U.S. airports for these extended holds, with Miami holding the first position.

Senator Padilla expressed deep concern over these findings, stating that no one in California or the country should live in fear of government actions that negatively impact immigrants. He specifically noted the troubling reports of valid green card holders being detained for days without sufficient medical attention or legal representation. These accounts align with broader patterns of lengthy airport detentions, which often include complaints about limited phone access and poor sleeping conditions.

Impact on Detainees

The consequences of extended detention can be severe. One 67-year-old lawful permanent resident recounted an eight-day detention at SFO in March 2026. During this time, he reported sleeping in a chair in a room with constant lighting and not receiving adequate care for his diabetes. CBP’s general policy aims to keep airport detentions under 72 hours, and exceeding this benchmark has drawn criticism, especially when medical care or legal assistance is reportedly lacking.

While a green card grants lawful permanent resident status, it does not guarantee entry without inspection. CBP has the authority to detain a lawful permanent resident if they believe the individual requires further inspection or may be inadmissible. Such extended detentions can raise important questions about policy and due process.

Congressional Oversight and Airport Authority

The issue gained further attention when Representative Kevin Mullin attempted an unannounced inspection of the SFO holding area. After an initial refusal, he gained access on August 26, 2026, and observed five detainees. Mullin described the situation as people being held “for days on end,” with individuals of various legal statuses present. He also expressed shock at the sleeping conditions. These visits by lawmakers have brought increased attention to the holding area, which functions as a detention facility while CBP handles immigration processing.

SFO officials have stated that they do not have the authority to regulate or prohibit these federal activities. Doug Yakel, SFO’s public information officer, explained that federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, have extensive regulatory power at U.S. airports concerning customs and immigration enforcement. Airport administrators do not determine who may enter the country or how the holding facility is operated, leaving these decisions to federal agencies.

Congressional Inspection Rights

The authority for members of Congress to conduct unannounced visits to immigration detention facilities is established by Section 527 of the annual Department of Homeland Security appropriations law. Recent federal court decisions in late 2025 and 2026 have upheld this authority, even when executive branches have sought to require advance notice. This inspection power allows lawmakers to visit facilities without prior scheduling, providing a mechanism for oversight. The ongoing scrutiny at SFO centers on reported detentions that exceed CBP’s 72-hour benchmark.

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