San Francisco International Airport detention practices under scrutiny

An investigation has revealed that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been holding individuals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for periods exceeding the 72-hour legal limit. Through July 2026, 25 people were detained at an SFO international terminal lounge for more than three days, with 18 eventually transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

Reports indicate that many of those detained were lawful permanent residents. Detainees reportedly faced harsh conditions, including lack of access to beds, medical care, showers, or personal belongings such as phones and luggage. In one instance, a man held for eight days required paramedics after his blood sugar spiked dangerously due to a lack of medical supplies.

The findings have fueled support for California Senate Bill 747, co-authored by State Senator Scott Wiener. The bill aims to allow Californians to sue federal officials in state court for constitutional rights violations. Critics and attorneys note that CBP has been transporting individuals to SFO from other locations, such as Fresno Yosemite International Airport, to facilitate these extended detentions.