Immigrants held for days at San Francisco International Airport have been unable to speak with their lawyers, several attorneys said, delaying efforts to seek their release.

One detainee, green card holder Tae Heung “Will” Kim, 40, spent seven and a half days in an airport holding room after returning from his brother’s wedding in South Korea. A marijuana misdemeanor on his record prompted his detention. His lawyer, Karl Krooth, said Kim was allowed only a few brief calls to his wife, with border agents checking that he spoke only to her.

Krooth said he could not contact Kim until Kim was moved to a long-term detention center. Without access to his client, he could not obtain the signature or fingerprints needed to request government records or file a petition seeking prompt release. Lawyer Christine Raymond said she had also been unable to reach clients held at airports despite repeated attempts.