What Happens When You Are Arrested by ICE?

When an immigrant remains in the United States after their Visa has expired, they are at risk of being arrested by ICE. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency can make arrests directly or with the assistance of local law enforcement agents. In either scenario, these arrests typically occur without warning. Paired with the unexpected nature of the arrest, many immigrants do not know what to expect afterward. This can lead to increased stress for both immigrants and their families. To ease these feelings of fear and uncertainty, it is crucial to understand what happens when you are arrested by ICE.

Immigrants that are residing in the United States illegally are arrested every day in situations like workplace raids or routine traffic stops. When the arrest is made directly by an ICE agent, the immigrant will be taken directly to the nearest ICE detainment facility or local contracted prison. Upon arrival, they will be processed into the center and agents will work to determine how long the immigrant has been in the country, their country of birth, and other relevant information. This information will be used to create the immigration case against them but is also taken into consideration when determining bond eligibility. Within the first few days, a bond hearing will be held.

Immigrants that are eligible for bonds will have a price set and they are able to contact their loved ones to notify them of their status and the cost. Those who are declared ineligible or meet requirements for mandatory detention will not have the opportunity to be released until their case is heard before an Immigration Judge (IJ). In most cases, this takes anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year to resolve. During this time, they must remain in the ICE facility or prison.

For those who are granted a release through an immigration bond, their loved ones will need to decide how to pay the bond. If they opt to make a payment directly through an ICE facility, they will need to designate one person as the bond sponsor. This person must schedule an in-person appointment and come equipped with their original social security card and a valid photo I.D. Other requirements may be specified by the ICE facility when the appointment is made. It is important to have all of the proper documentation and the correct form of payment to decrease the risk of obstacles with ICE. It is also worth noting that many bond sponsors struggle to receive a refund for the bond after the case concludes.

To avoid the stress and hassle of working with ICE, family members can also use an immigration bond service. The service acts as a third-party connection between the family members and ICE to streamline the process. Whether the family can pay in full or needs to purchase a surety bond, many report a much more positive experience and a faster release for their loved ones. Want to learn more about what happens when you are arrested by ICE or how to pay an immigration bond with a bond service? Contact the professionals at US Immigration Bonds now.