The Van Nuys Immigration Court: 7 Critical Updates And Essential Guide For 2025
Navigating the complex landscape of immigration law in Southern California requires the most current information, and as of December 19, 2025, the Los Angeles – Van Nuys Boulevard Immigration Court remains a pivotal facility within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). This court, which was established relatively recently, is a crucial hub for removal proceedings and asylum claims, serving a vast geographical area and managing one of the country's most significant pending caseloads. Understanding its specific procedures, location, and the current judicial environment is essential for respondents, attorneys, and concerned family members.
The Van Nuys Immigration Court’s operational efficiency and judicial appointments are subject to continuous updates, making it vital to rely on the latest data. From the critical window filing hours to the contact information for the clerk’s office, this comprehensive guide provides a deep dive into the practical and procedural realities of the court in the current fiscal year (FY) 2025, ensuring you are prepared for your day in court.
Van Nuys Immigration Court: Institutional Profile and Judicial Roster
The Van Nuys Immigration Court, often referred to by its official EOIR designation as the Los Angeles – Van Nuys Boulevard Immigration Court, was strategically opened to help manage the overwhelming immigration court backlog in the greater Los Angeles area. It began operations on December 9, 2019, and is one of the newer facilities in the region.
Official Court Details
- Official Address: 6230 Van Nuys Blvd., 3rd Floor, Suite 300, Van Nuys, CA 91401.
- Jurisdiction: The court covers cases originating from a wide Northern Los Angeles region and surrounding counties, specifically Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
- Window Filing Hours: The court is open for window filings from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
- Contact Number: The primary court contact number is 818-904-5200.
- Courtrooms: The facility currently operates with six dedicated courtrooms.
The Distinguished Immigration Judges of Van Nuys
The outcome of any case before the EOIR is profoundly shaped by the Immigration Judge (IJ) assigned to the matter. The Van Nuys Immigration Court is staffed by a dedicated panel of IJs, each with their own unique history and decision-making patterns. The current judicial roster includes the following key entities:
- Judge Arlene Dorfman
- Judge Hye Chon
- Judge Steven Marcus
- Judge Paul Medved
- Judge Carlos Maury
- Judge Jeannette Park
- Judge Sandra Santos-Garcia (with decisions analyzed through FY 2024 and 2025)
- Judge Joseph Weiner (with decisions analyzed through FY 2025)
- Judge Brian Burke (with decisions analyzed through FY 2025)
- Judge Kevin W. Riley (with decisions analyzed through FY 2025)
Recent reports analyzing judicial decisions, including those through the first 11 months of FY 2025, provide crucial insight into the court's environment. For instance, Judge Joseph Weiner has a documented asylum grant rate that is particularly noteworthy, having granted asylum in 88 of 139 claims decided on their merits during the FY 2020–2025 period.
Current Caseload Crisis and Procedural Updates for FY 2025
The sheer volume of pending cases at the Van Nuys Immigration Court reflects the national crisis facing the EOIR system. The court has a significant backlog that directly impacts hearing wait times and case management.
The Pending Caseload and Backlog
As of late 2022, the Van Nuys Immigration Court had a pending caseload of 14,787 cases. While the national EOIR system received nearly 1.8 million new cases in FY 2024, leading to a national backlog reaching 3.6 million, the EOIR has recently announced significant milestones in caseload management. Since January 20, 2025, the EOIR has reported a reduction in the pending caseload across all immigration courts by over 447,000 cases, an effort aimed at improving efficiency and reducing wait times for respondents in facilities like Van Nuys.
Critical Procedural Information
All parties must adhere strictly to the court’s procedural requirements. Failure to do so can result in delays or adverse rulings.
- Automated EOIR System: To check the location and schedule of your next immigration court hearing, you must call the Automated EOIR System at 1-800-898-7180.
- Change of Address: It is a mandatory requirement to notify the EOIR court of any change of address or phone number using the Form EOIR-33 Change of Address/Contact Information form. This is crucial for receiving official notices and hearing dates.
- Filing Fee Waivers: Attorneys and pro se respondents should be aware of the court’s current procedures for requesting a fee waiver, particularly for applications like asylum, where a filing fee may be required.
- Email Contact: For general inquiries to the clerk’s office, the court has a dedicated email: LAVanNuys.Immigration.Court@usdoj.gov.
Essential Access and Security: What to Know Before You Go
The physical location of the Van Nuys Immigration Court and the security protocols can be challenging for first-time visitors. Being prepared for the logistics of the 6230 Van Nuys Blvd. location is a key step in a successful court appearance.
Parking and Transportation Strategies
Parking in the Van Nuys area can be difficult, and respondents are strongly advised to arrive early to secure a spot and allow ample time for security screening.
- On-Site Parking: The building has visitor parking, and signs are posted to direct visitors to the designated areas.
- Public Parking: A reliable alternative is the city public parking facility located at 14517 Erwin Street, which is within walking distance of the court building.
- Nearby Garages: The Van Nuys Court (likely the nearby Van Nuys East Courthouse) on Sylmar and Delano offers a covered parking garage, often costing around $9.00 a day. This is another viable option for those attending a hearing.
Building Access and Security Screening
The court is located on the third floor of the building. All visitors must enter through the main lobby and are subject to a mandatory security screening process, similar to airport security. Prohibited items must be left outside, and delays are common, so factor in at least 30 minutes for this process alone before your scheduled hearing time.
Recent Legal Developments and Case Transfers
The Van Nuys Immigration Court is a site of ongoing legal and operational changes, including the handling of sensitive detention cases and rulings on the conduct of federal agents.
Transfer of Detention Cases
The court has taken on a significant operational role by handling the transfer of hundreds of cases from the Mesa Verde Detention Facility in Bakersfield, California. This transfer, which began after the court opened in November 2019, has further increased the court’s operational burden and the complexity of its docket.
Significant Judicial Decisions
The court has been the venue for important rulings that set precedents in the region. In one notable instance, an Immigration Judge dismissed a deportation case after finding that federal agents had illegally detained and arrested dozens of people during a work site raid in Van Nuys. This kind of judicial oversight underscores the critical role the court plays in upholding due process and scrutinizing the conduct of federal enforcement agencies.
Remaining current on the Van Nuys Immigration Court’s details, from the judge assigned to your case to the precise location of the nearest public parking, is the best preparation for navigating the complex immigration court system in 2025. Always confirm your hearing details using the Automated EOIR System and ensure your contact information is up-to-date with the court.
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