One of the scariest and most difficult things that can occur for an immigrant and their family is being arrested by or being taken into the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). The arrest/detention often occurs without warning, leaving family and friends scrambling and searching for options to help out their loved one. Typically, individuals taken into ICE custody are transported to a local ICE office for processing and interviewing, and are often given the option to have their case referred to an Immigration Court or to sign a document (known as a stipulated order of removal) where they agree to be deported from the U.S. without Immigration Court proceedings. The detained individual is then usually transferred to a holding facility (typically a local jail or holding facility) where they will await Immigration Court proceedings or deportation. Seeking qualified representation when a loved one is detained by ICE is of the utmost importance, and the earlier in the process, the better. An experienced immigration attorney can often discuss the situation with ICE and help secure the release of the individual, either on their own recognizance or after payment of a reasonable bond, speak with the detained individuals to ensure that they do not make any mistakes regarding statements or paperwork with ICE, and advise the detained individuals and their families of the options that are available to them. An experienced immigration attorney can also file the appropriate motions with the Immigration Court and appear on the alien’s behalf before the Immigration Judge to attempt to obtain or lower a bond if ICE is unwilling to set a reasonable bond. If your friend or family member has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, contact the experienced detention & removal attorneys at Zeidan & Associates, LLC at 614-459-2830.