Finding out that a family member has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement is frightening. You may not know where they are or what happens next. Start with these steps.
Find out where they are
ICE has an online detainee locator. You can search with the person’s A-number and country of birth, or their full name and country of birth. People detained in New Jersey may be held at a facility in the state, such as the one in Elizabeth, but they can also be moved to facilities in other states, sometimes quickly. Check the locator regularly.
Gather their information
- Full legal name, date of birth and country of birth
- A-number, if they have one
- Any immigration paperwork, past applications or court notices
- Criminal court records, if any
- Proof of family ties, work history and time in the U.S.
Don’t sign anything without advice
Detained people are sometimes asked to sign papers agreeing to leave the country or giving up a hearing before a judge. Signing can end the case and lead to removal. Encourage your loved one to ask for a lawyer and not to sign documents they don’t understand.
Ask about release
Some people can ask an immigration judge for release on bond. Whether that’s possible depends on how the person entered the country, their immigration and criminal history and current rules, which have been changing. A lawyer can tell you whether bond or another form of release may be available and what evidence helps.
Stay in contact
Detention facilities have their own rules for phone calls, visits and putting money in a detainee’s account. Check the facility’s rules, keep a record of every call and keep copies of everything you send.
Call a lawyer as soon as possible
Detained cases move faster than other immigration cases. Getting a lawyer involved early affects whether your loved one can be released and which defenses they can still raise.
Our Plainfield office helps New Jersey families with detention and removal defense cases. Call us at 703-649-4848.
