Asylum Outcomes Vary Widely Between SF and LA Immigration Courts

San Francisco judges grant asylum at much higher rates than their Los Angeles counterparts, according to new data analysis.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A new review of federal court records shows that San Francisco immigration judges have been granting asylum at far higher rates than judges in Los Angeles and nearby Adelanto. Attorneys say the divide reflects differences in judge composition, access to legal representation, and case backlogs between the two regions.

Why it matters

The disparities in asylum outcomes between San Francisco and Los Angeles courts have significant real-world implications, leading to longer wait times, more in-custody hearings, and life-altering decisions that can hinge on where a case is heard. Advocates warn that sudden judge removals and persistent staffing shortages are undermining due process and pushing more people toward default losses.

The details

Data compiled by TRAC show San Francisco immigration courts denied roughly 29% of asylum petitions over a recent multiyear period, compared with about 71% in Los Angeles. Judge-by-judge reports highlight the wide gap, with some LA judges denying over 90% of cases while a San Francisco judge denied only 2% of roughly 1,165 asylum matters. Attorneys point to factors like detained dockets packed with unrepresented individuals, the mix of nationalities cycling through each courthouse, and rapid turnover on the bench as contributing to the disparities.

  • The data analyzed covers a recent multiyear period.

The players

Judge Kevin W. Riley

An immigration judge in the Los Angeles North/Adelanto court who has a denial rate above 90%.

Judge Katie G. Mullins

An immigration judge in the Adelanto court who has a denial rate above 90%.

Judge Shira M. Levine

An immigration judge in the San Francisco court who denied about 2% of roughly 1,165 asylum matters.

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What’s next

The growing split in asylum outcomes between San Francisco and Los Angeles courts has drawn national attention, with calls for tighter oversight, more consistent training for judges, and better access to counsel for asylum seekers.

The takeaway

The stark differences in asylum grant rates between San Francisco and Los Angeles immigration courts highlight systemic issues within the US asylum system, including uneven access to legal representation, case backlogs, and judge turnover. These disparities raise concerns about the fairness and consistency of the asylum adjudication process across California.