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detainded immigrant

What to Do If a Loved One Has Been Detained by ICE

AG Law Firm June 30, 2025

When a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the fear and confusion can feel overwhelming. The system is complex, time-sensitive, and often lacks transparency. That’s why it’s essential to know what immediate steps to take and how legal support can make a difference in your family’s future.

1. Stay Calm and Gather Basic Information

As soon as you learn that a loved one has been detained, collect key details:

  • Full name (as it appears on immigration records)

  • Date of birth

  • Country of origin

  • Where and when they were detained
    This will help your attorney locate them quickly in the immigration detention system using tools like the ICE detainee locator.

2. Avoid Making Assumptions About the Case

Many families believe detention means deportation is certain, but that’s not always the case. A person may have legal options such as:

  • Bond hearings

  • Asylum claims

  • Motions to reopen

  • U-visa eligibility (especially if they’ve been victims of crimes)

Each case is unique, so it’s critical not to take legal advice from social media or unverified sources.

3. Contact an Immigration Attorney Immediately

Time is everything in detention cases. An experienced immigration attorney can:

  • Locate your family member

  • Review their immigration history

  • Evaluate options for release or relief

  • Prepare legal filings fast
    At AG Law, we treat each detention case with urgency, compassion, and precision.

4. Understand the Role of Bond and Hearings

Some detainees are eligible for bond — a monetary guarantee for temporary release. However, not everyone qualifies. A bond hearing must be requested and argued with strong evidence:

  • Family ties in the U.S.

  • Clean criminal record

  • Evidence that they will attend future hearings
    Your attorney can file a motion and represent your loved one before an immigration judge.

5. Prepare for the Long Term

If your family member is not released, legal proceedings may move forward quickly. Stay in close communication with your attorney and begin collecting:

  • Letters of support

  • Legal documents

  • Proof of U.S. ties and hardship to family
    These documents can be essential for fighting deportation or applying for relief.

If your loved one has been detained by ICE, don’t wait. Every hour matters. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation with our legal team. We’ll stand by your family and guide you through every step of the process.