Who might be arrested by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)?
In accordance with the federal law, the following immigrants may be deported by the federal government:
- Those who do not have a lawful immigration status
- Legal immigrants (Green Card and Visa holders, refugees) who have criminal records or pending criminal cases
- Those who pose (actually or allegedly) a threat to national security or public safety;
- Those who have final orders of removal issued in their name;
- Those who have provided false or misleading information in government forms and applications
The list may vary depending on each individual case. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us in order to consult an attorney.
How to be Prepared: Phone Numbers
Always have a list of important phone numbers at hand!
Those may be phone numbers of:
- Your family members
- Your previous lawyers
- Your doctors
- A person who is in touch with your future immigration lawyer
- Your previous immigration or criminal attorney
- Your organizer
- The person who will take care of your children
Make sure your family members also have their numbers too!
How to be Prepared: Medical
Get a HIPAA Release, which will allow your relative access to your medical records.
How can I be arrested and deported?
- First, the person is identified by ICE agents some time before the arrest.
- ICE agents visit public and private institutions, including place of employment, looking for the person.
- Sometimes they arrest the person in the street.
How to be Prepared for Immigration Deportation: Your Personal Documents
- Your passport
- Your birth certificate
- Your marriage/ divorce certificate
- Your children’s birth certificates
- Any relevant documents confirming your medical or mental health condition (if applicable)
- Immigration documents
- Your “A number” (if any)
- The name and contact information of your immigration attorney (if any)
- Criminal court documents
- A photocopy of the certificate of arrest disposition (if applicable)
- The name and contact information of your criminal attorney (if applicable)
- DO NOT give ICE your passport!
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.
How to be Prepared for Immigration Deportation: Your Children
In case you have children, you can consider the following options (consult an attorney if necessary):
- A person you trust may informally look after your children in case of your arrest and/or US deportation.
- Concluding a notarized(!) temporary agreement that will give a caretaker limited authority to make certain parental decisions for your children
- Choose a legally appointed custodian or guardian among your relatives or friends. An appropriate order should be obtained from a family court which might also make it harder for you to get your parental rights back.
How to be Prepared for Immigration Deportation: Your Place of Employment
- Inform your coworkers of their rights, including the right to remain silent.
- If ICE agents come to your workplace, try to stick together
General Tips:
- Avoid contact with Immigration Services – don’t submit any forms or applications (Adjustment of Status, Green Card Renewal, etc.)
- Don’t travel outside of the United States without talking to a lawyer first!
- If you need information for deported immigrants, please contact us.
How to be Prepared: Your Trustee
Choose someone you trust to make decisions for you in case of arrest and/or US deportation, so that they can:
- Sign a Power of Attorney agreement
- Get money from your bank account
- Access confidential documents
- Pay important bills.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.
If you need information for deported immigrants, please contact us.