What to do When You or Someone you know gets detained by ICE

If you or someone you know isn’t a U.S. citizen, you probably need to worry about this. It is overwhelming to experience that someone you care about gets detained by ICE. In this case, you may not know what to do next. Knowing your rights if an individual receives an ICE hold is essential. It may be tricky when trying to discover the information of their whereabouts, as they have been placed in immigration detention. It is suggested to make an appointment with an experienced attorney so that they will inform you about your rights as a detainee.

Here are a few essential tips that explain what you must do if you or someone gets detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

What to do if you get detained by ICE?

If you get detained by ICE, your family should contact a reliable immigration lawyer in the first place. Only an experienced lawyer can tell what steps should be taken further in the case of detention. If ICE puts an immigration hold or detainer on your papers, you will likely be put in jail or prison for up to 48 hours. This imprisonment is after the time you were supposed to be released, and these 48 hours don’t include Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.

Remember, anything you say to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can result in deportation. If the ICE officers detain you, you should know how to use your rights, whether you are undocumented or a green card holder.

• You can say you wish to remain silent during the discussion. It is unnecessary to give all the explanations and immediately asks for a lawyer, don’t start any conversation without a lawyer.
• If you get detained or arrested by the police, you are allowed to make a local phone call. You have the right to contact your consulate or have the officer inform the consulate about your detention.
• Always remember your immigration number (“A”) and give it to your family. In such cases, it will be helpful for your family to locate you.
• Keep all copies of your legal documents with you and someone you trust.
• You can demand proper medical care and necessary treatment free of cost.

Reasons for being detained by ICE

There are several reasons why Immigration Customs and Enforcement can detain you. Some of the common causes are:

• An individual who attempts to enter the United States without a visa, authorization, or a valid document.
• Someone who is accused of a crime
• An individual failed to appear at a past immigration hearing
• Have a pending or late removal order

Where to find out if someone gets detained?

If you or someone you know gets detained by ICE, and your family doesn’t know where you are, they may find you using ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). This system provides all the information regarding an adult person in custody and those who were released in the last 60 days.

You must complete all the legal procedures for the detention and will need a legal representative to fight all the removal proceedings.