What Happens after an Illegal Immigrant is Caught by ICE

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that there are 8 million to 12 million illegal immigrants residing in the United States, and that 700,000 new immigrants enter the states and stay each year. US Immigration Bonds & Insurance Services know that for the people living in the United States illegally, their biggest fear is being caught and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The good news is that undocumented immigrants have certain rights when they are arrested by U.S. immigration authorities, and the ICE agency must follow established procedures to protect their rights. So what actually happens after an undocumented immigrant is caught by ICE? A company that provides same day release immigration bonds in California explains the deportation process.

• Arrests and 48 hour detainers.

There are a few ways in which an undocumented immigrant can come into ICE custody. If an immigration official comes to your home, keep in mind that you do not have to let them in unless they have a warrant.

Sometimes the initial arrest is not by an ICE official. If you are taken into custody by another law enforcement agency and your immigration status is questioned, ICE may be called and there will be a hold placed on you. Once there is a hold placed on you, ICE has 48 hours to question you and if they don’t within this time frame you must be released.

• Removal Proceedings.

Once an undocumented worker is arrested, ICE will determine if they will be placed into the removal proceedings and most likely charge them with unlawful entry into the US. The illegal immigrant will then be serve with a Notice to Appear and have to face an immigration judge.

• Immigration bonds.

The first thing the deportation officer will do if you are in immigration custody is determine if you will be allowed to be bonded out with an US immigration bond. This immigration bond will allow you to be released from custody while the removal proceedings are pending.