What Happens When an Immigrant is Detained in Atlanta?

From coast to coast in the United States, immigrants who fail to comply with the strict immigration laws are at risk of being detained. Whether their illegal status is detected as part of a routine traffic stop or a workplace raid, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency can make an arrest at any time. In Atlanta, these arrests are made regularly and leave family members wondering what will happen to the immigrant next. Discover what happens when an immigrant is detained in Atlanta:

After an immigrant is arrested by ICE in Atlanta, they are taken to the local ICE facility or a nearby prison that houses detained immigrants. Once they arrive, the immigrant will be interviewed, fingerprinted and processed into the ICE system. Afterwards, they will be taken to the area where they will be housed while their case pends through the immigration court system. Despite this, it is important to note that transfers happen frequently (even during the overnight hours) and immigrants can be transferred from one state to another relatively quickly.

Once the immigrant is settled into the facility, ICE will work to determine whether an immigrant is eligible for release on an immigration bond. Atlanta immigration bonds do not alter the immigration charges that the immigrant is facing, however, it will allow them to return home to their families until a decision is made by an Immigration Judge (IJ). Because it can take several months or more than a year for this to happen, it is often the best option to eliminate some of the stress and concerns that immigrants and their families may have about remaining in the custody of ICE for a long period of time.

The ICE agency is in charge of deciding whether an immigrant is able to receive a bond. They typically decide this within the first day or two after the initial arrest by considering factors like employment history, time within the country, family ties and other relevant matters. Those who have been upstanding members of the community typically have no problems in being declared eligible for a bond. On the other hand, immigrants who have lengthy criminal histories, certain types of criminal charges or those who pose a threat to national security are subject to mandatory detention. Mandatory detention essentially means that the immigrant is not eligible for bond at any point and must remain in ICE custody for as long as it takes for their case to resolve.

Immigrants who are eligible for bond will receive information regarding their eligibility, along with the price that has been set. From there, they are able to contact their loved ones to inform them of their status. At this point, the person who will pay the bond (known as an immigration bond sponsor) must schedule an appointment at a local ICE facility in Atlanta to make the payment in full. Typically, they are required to pay the full amount in cash and present a valid photo I.D. along with an original social security card. It is also important to note that ICE requires sponsors to be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Because ICE is notoriously difficult to work with and it can be difficult to secure a refund once the case concludes, many turn to immigration bail bond services in Atlanta for help. With US Immigration Bonds, Atlanta families can rest assured knowing they are being guided through the process by an expert. Have more questions about what happens when an immigrant is detained in Atlanta? Reach out to us today to learn how we can help.