ICE Arrests: What Affected Families Need to Know

Over 29,000 people were held in ICE detention as of June 4, 2023. According to TRAC Immigration, over half of them had no prior criminal record. Many that did had only minor ones, like traffic violations. 

When one of your family members ends up as one of those ICE arrests, it can be difficult to know what to do. Failure to act may lead to a loved one getting deported or detained for months on end. 

Here's what you need to know about ICE and the deportation process. 

ICE Arrests and Detention

It's important to understand what rights ICE has when it comes to arresting undocumented individuals. For example, an agent cannot enter your home without a warrant. The only way they can legally enter otherwise is if an adult lets them in. 

The same applies to your workplace. If ICE has a warrant for your arrest, there isn't much you can do. 

There are detainment facilities located all over the country, and they could ship you to a facility outside of your current area. You can locate a person held by ICE using the Online Detainee Locator System on their website. 

The Deportation Process

If an undocumented individual is detained within two weeks of arriving in the country, then they are open to the expedited removal process. This means that they can be removed as soon as possible as long as they're within 100 miles of the border.

Everyone else has to go through the deportation process. This could take weeks or even months before a decision is made. If you cannot pay the bond, then you could find yourself separated from your family for months on end. 

How to Pay an Immigration Bond

An immigration bond is the amount of money you pay to have someone released from detention before their hearing. The bond amount for someone detained by ICE could be in the thousands of dollars. It partly depends on flight risk, such as with individuals who have a criminal record. 

If you can't afford it, you have two options. The first is to let them sit in detention until their hearing date. The second is to obtain the money through a lender. 

When the hearing is done, you can apply for an ice bond refund with the Debt Management Center. 

Even once you're released, there's still a case against you. It's important to hire a lawyer and go to every scheduled hearing. Make sure that all of your information is up to date, such as your address. 

Don't Sweat the ICE

ICE arrests are a scary thing, especially for undocumented individuals who may not know the ins and outs of the American legal system. However, paying bail can give you the opportunity to find the help you need. It also gives you a chance to spend more time with your family before the process completes its course. 

Action Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services can connect you with an immigration bond agent today. We offer our services 24/7 and can get you a same-day release. Contact us to learn more and set up a free consultation.