The Deportation Process: What Happens After an I.C.E. Raid?

More than 256,000 people in 2018 were deported from the United States. While many people think of those from Central America, anyone without proper documentation is at risk of deportation. 

The deportation process can be scary and confusing if you've no experience or knowledge of it. We are going to ease those feelings by explaining what happens when ICE performs a raid. 

Use this guide to help someone you care about avoid deportation as a result of an ICE raid. 

Who Do They Look For? 

There are millions of people living in the United States without proper documentation. Currently, ICE raids focus on families that come from Central America. 

The goal is to deport families that are not eligible to stay. The apprehension rate for ICE at this time is 20-30% of their listed targets. 

What Happens at the Arrest?

For ICE to arrest someone, they must wait for that person to leave their house. While authorities make the arrest, you retain all of the fundamental rights afforded American Citizens. You have the right to remain silent and the right to not consent to searches. 

The authorities will try to establish your identity. Even with no response, though, they can continue with the arrest. 

Transport to the Detention Center and Processing 

Once arrested, ICE transports detainees to the local ICE office. There processing will begin. It can take as long as five hours to finish all of the paperwork. 

During this processing time, your lawyer can file a motion to reopen your deportation case. This will put an immediate pause on your removal from the country. 

You should be able to speak with your lawyer during this time, though it may be through a video chat service like Skype. Prepare for it to take weeks or months for you to get a hearing. 

Bonding out of the Detention Center 

When someone you care about is detained, your priority is to get them out. There are two ways you can obtain release through an immigration bond. 

The first method is to have the ICE immigration officer agree to bond eligibility and set an amount. You should be able to pay that amount and have your loved one out within a week. 

If the ICE officer refuses to set a bond, then your loved one will need to request a hearing. Then a judge will determine their bond eligibility. 

If the immigration judge agrees, then a bond will be granted and the amount set.  To pay the bond, you'll make an appointment and make payment. Then about an hour later, your loved one will get released. 

Deportation 

When all legal possibilities have been exhausted, the next process is to remove the person. How fast this process moves will significantly depend on where in the country the immigrant is located and what country they will go back to. 

It takes time to gather the necessary travel documents from the home country. For many people from Central America, the process can take three to four months. 

Understanding the Deportation Process

If you or someone you care about is facing the deportation process, it can be scary and stress-inducing. But your fears and anxiety can be relieved by understanding the process. 

One thing you can do to help them is helping them bond out. This will give them back their life while they wait for their deportation case to process. 

Meet our team and get a free consultation today.