A Quick Guide to the Immigration Hold Process After Getting Detained

Nothing is scarier than finding out you've been put on an ICE hold after being arrested.

Without the right support, it could lead to your removal from the United States.

If you or someone you know is on an immigration hold and is in jail, there is some information you need to know.

Committing an immigration violation or criminal act can get you into trouble. Here's what you need to know about the inmigrant hold process and what you should do.

What is an Immigration Hold?

It's important to familiarize yourself with what an immigration hold or detainer actually is. This term is when an undocumented or illegal immigrant who has already been in jail is held so they can be transferred to Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

An ICE hold allows the jail and local law enforcement to keep you for up to 48 hours. This allows them to keep you past your scheduled release date from jail. During the 48 hour time period, the person is picked up by the ICE.

From there, the individual is sent to an ICE detention center, which is separate from regular jails and usually at a distant location or even another state.

Who Could Be on Immigration Hold?

Typically an immigrant who is illegal or undocumented will be placed on hold to wait for the ICE. However, even documented or lawful immigrants who have green cards can be placed on hold if they have committed a crime that could result in them being deported. 

What Can I Expect Next?

After being sent to a detention center, you may be allowed to have your case be heard by an immigration judge. However, in some cases, an order of removal may already be outstanding against the person.

This means they could've gotten in trouble before and now are forced to leave the country without a hearing.

Immigration Bond

Getting an immigration bond is the fastest way to get released prior to your hearing. 

There are two ways you may be considered eligible for an immigration bond. First, the ICE immigration officer may find you eligible and set the bond amount. 

In this case, you would need to pay the bond within a week of it being set. If the ICE declines to set a bond, you can request an immigration bond hearing. This will involve an immigration judge who will decide if you are eligible.

Your Hearing

If you had a hearing for your immigration bond, then a second hearing will be held to go over the details of your case. With the help of a lawyer, you may be able to convince the judge that you should not be deported or removed from the United States. 

Contact Your Immigration Bondsman

When you or someone close to you deals with immigration hold it can be scary not knowing what will happen next. It's difficult to know and understand all of the laws and information being thrown at you. 

This is why having an immigration bondsman by your side is important. They will be able to tell you how to make it through each step. 

Looking for an immigration bondsman you can trust? Check out our site to get connected with our experienced team.