Detention Representation
Being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a frightening and disorienting experience for both the person in custody and their family. In these high-pressure situations, every moment counts. The actions taken in the first few hours and days can determine whether a loved one remains detained for months or is released to fight their case from home. At LBL, we provide urgent, rapid-response representation to protect the rights of detained individuals and fight for their immediate release.
If your loved one is in ICE custody, act now.
Overview: Fighting for Your Freedom
When someone is detained by ICE, they are placed into a complex and fast-moving legal system. Our primary goal is to secure their release as quickly as possible. We immediately intervene to protect their rights, challenge the basis for their detention, and build a powerful case for release on bond or parole. Fighting an immigration case is far more effective from outside a detention center, and we are dedicated to reuniting you with your family.
Types of Cases We Handle in Detention
Our representation focuses on every available avenue to get our clients out of ICE custody. We handle:
- Bond Hearings: Arguing before an Immigration Judge that our client is not a flight risk or a danger to the community and should be released on a reasonable bond.
- Parole Requests to ICE: For individuals arriving at the border who are not eligible for a bond hearing, we prepare persuasive humanitarian parole requests directly to ICE.
- Credible & Reasonable Fear Interviews: We prepare detained asylum seekers for their initial fear screenings to help them establish a strong foundation for their protection case.
- Challenges to Prolonged Detention: When a client has been detained for an extended period (often six months or more), we can challenge the legality of their ongoing detention in federal court.
What We Do Immediately
When you hire our firm for a detention case, we take immediate action:
- Urgent Legal Assessment: We quickly analyze the case to determine the basis for detention and identify the fastest path to release.
- Contact Facility and ICE: We locate your loved one, notify the detention center and ICE that we are their legal representative, and schedule a consultation.
- Gather Records: We immediately begin collecting critical criminal and immigration records that will impact the case.
- Communicate with Family: We establish clear communication with the family to gather information and provide updates.
- Request Release: We promptly file a request for a bond hearing with the court or submit a parole request to ICE.
- Prepare a Release Plan: We begin working with the family to prepare a solid plan for housing and support upon release.
Building the Case for Release
A successful bond or parole request requires a strong, well-documented argument. We prepare a comprehensive “bond packet” designed to persuade the judge or ICE officer to grant release. This includes:
- Ties to the Community: Evidence of long-term residence, family in the U.S., and community involvement.
- Financial Stability: Proof of work history, letters of support from employers, and evidence of financial sponsorship from family.
- Low Flight Risk: Arguments and evidence showing the client is not a risk of absconding, including a stable housing plan.
- Addressing Criminal History: We gather all police reports and court dispositions to explain and mitigate the impact of any past criminal charges.
- Letters of Support: Compelling letters from family, friends, employers, and community leaders.
- Alternatives to Detention: Proposing alternatives like ankle monitors if necessary to secure release.
“Excellent paperwork from Luke’s law firm helped in my work permit approval. The whole process was so smooth and the team is so supportive.” – Chetan
Common Detention Issues
Detention cases are fraught with challenges that require experienced legal counsel. We navigate issues such as:
Criminal Charges
Prior criminal convictions can trigger mandatory detention, making bond unavailable.
Prior Removal Orders
Individuals with old, outstanding deportation orders face reinstatement of removal and are often ineligible for bond.
Flight Risk Concerns
Overcoming the government’s argument that a person will not appear for future court dates.
Medical and Humanitarian Factors
Advocating for release based on serious medical conditions or other urgent humanitarian needs.
Facility Transfers
Clients are often moved between detention centers without notice, making communication difficult.
Access to Documents
Detained individuals have limited ability to access the documents needed for their own defense.
How We Help Fight for Release
Our firm provides aggressive, hands-on support from the moment of detention.
Fast Response
We offer urgent consultations via video or in-person jail visits to assess the case immediately.
Bond Eligibility
We build a persuasive, evidence-heavy bond packet to present the strongest possible case for release.
Assertive Court Advocacy
We are experienced advocates in the courtroom, prepared to argue forcefully before the Immigration Judge.
Persuasive Humanitarian Arguments
We leverage medical and psychological evidence to make compelling arguments for release on humanitarian grounds.
Coordination with Criminal Counsel
We work closely with criminal defense attorneys to manage the impact of any pending charges on the immigration case.
Appeals and Custody Reviews
If bond is denied, we are prepared to appeal the decision or pursue ongoing custody reviews.
Post-Release Guidance
Upon release, we guide you on the next steps in your underlying immigration case, whether it's applying for asylum, cancellation of removal, or another form of relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for an immigration bond?
Eligibility depends on the reason for detention and the individual’s immigration and criminal history. Some people can request bond before an Immigration Judge, while others may be subject to mandatory detention and are not eligible. Determining bond eligibility often requires a detailed review of the person’s records and immigration status.
How much does an immigration bond cost, and how is it paid?
The bond amount is determined by an Immigration Judge or ICE. The amount can vary significantly depending on the facts of the case. Once bond is granted, it is typically paid to ICE by an approved individual, and the funds may be returned if all court obligations are satisfied.
Can ICE release someone on parole instead of bond?
Yes. In certain situations, ICE may grant parole rather than requiring a bond. Parole decisions often involve humanitarian factors, medical concerns, family circumstances, or other reasons that support release while the immigration case continues.
What happens if the Immigration Judge denies bond?
A bond denial does not always mean release is impossible. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to appeal the decision, request a new custody review, pursue parole through ICE, or challenge continued detention through other legal avenues.
Can a person be transferred to another detention facility?
Yes. ICE may transfer detainees between facilities, sometimes with little advance notice. Transfers can affect court locations, family visitation, and access to records. Prompt legal representation can help families stay informed and respond to changes in custody status.
Can family members visit someone in immigration detention?
Most detention facilities allow visitation, but procedures vary by location. Facilities often have specific rules regarding scheduling, identification requirements, approved visitors, and visiting hours. Families should verify the facility’s policies before making travel arrangements.
What documents can help support a release request?
Evidence of family ties, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, medical needs, and financial support can strengthen a request for release. The most effective evidence depends on the individual’s circumstances and the concerns being raised by ICE or the court.
Can someone be detained even if they have a pending immigration application?
Yes. Having a pending immigration benefit application does not automatically prevent detention. However, a pending application may become an important factor in evaluating release options and long-term immigration strategies.
How long can ICE detention last?
The length of detention varies widely depending on the complexity of the immigration case, court scheduling, appeals, and whether removal is reasonably foreseeable. Some individuals are released quickly, while others may remain detained for extended periods if legal issues remain unresolved.
Can an immigration case continue after release from detention?
Yes. Release from detention does not end the immigration case. Individuals must continue attending court hearings, responding to government requests, and complying with all immigration requirements while their case remains pending.
Don't Let Your Loved One Fight Alone.
Every day in detention is a day too long. Contact our firm immediately to put an experienced and compassionate legal team on your side.
Call: (810) 522-5405
Email: [email protected]