U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started making arrests at immigration courts around the country. If you have been in the United States for less than two years and are scheduled for court, the government may try to terminate your removal proceedings in order to place you in a process called expedited removal.
Before Your Hearing
- Review NIJC’s guidance on how to prepare for ICE enforcement actions and a plan to protect your family — visit immigrantjustice.org/KnowYourRights
- Share your A# with a loved one, along with the ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search — they will need your A# and country of birth. Note: it may take several days for people to appear in the locator after arrest or transfer to a new facility.
- If you have lived in the United States for less than two years, ask someone with secure legal status to accompany you to immigration court
- If you have lived in the United States for more than two years, bring documents showing the length of time you have been in the country — this can include US income tax returns, utility bills, leases, school records, medical records, bank records, or other documents
- Know that not attending your hearing could result in an “in absentia” deportation order — seek a consultation with a qualified legal practitioner if you have not already done so
During Your Hearing
If the government seeks to dismiss or terminate your proceedings, object immediately and tell the judge: “I oppose termination of my case.” If the judge terminates your case even after you object, tell the judge: “I wish to appeal.”
OPPOSE TERMINATION OF MY CASE. I WISH TO APPEAL.
Say these words clearly to the judge if the government tries to dismiss or terminate your removal proceedings.
If You Are Arrested
- If you are afraid of returning to your country, tell ICE about your fear as soon as possible — and repeat it whenever you can. Request a “credible fear” interview.
- Do NOT sign papers you do not understand. Ask for them to be read to you in a language you understand.
- Review NIJC’s guidance on what to do if you or a loved one is detained at immigrantjustice.org/know-Your-Rights/Detained-Pro-Se-Manual
- Report ICE arrests in Illinois: Call ICIRR’s Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) — support is available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Polish
- Request legal representation from NIJC: Call the NIJC Detention Project at (773) 672-6599 on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Detained immigrants may call collect at (312) 583-9721 or use the pro bono platform with NIJC’s 3-digit code: 565
Published by the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC).