If You Are Detained

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General information, not legal advice. These guides are written by the community, laws vary by state, and policies change. For advice about your own situation, talk to an immigration lawyer (how to find a real one, free if needed).

Two sentences to memorize: "I am exercising my right to remain silent." "I want to speak to a lawyer." Say them, then stop talking. Everything else below builds on that.

Sign nothing

Do not sign anything you do not fully understand, no matter what agents say it means or how routine they make it sound. Some papers, like voluntary departure or a stipulated removal, can sign away your right to ever see a judge. Wait for a lawyer. There is no deadline that beats losing your case in one signature.

Your rights in detention

• You may remain silent about your status, birthplace and entry. Use it.
• You have the right to hire a lawyer and to contact one. The government does not provide one in immigration cases, but free help exists: Finding an Immigration Lawyer.
• You have the right to contact your consulate, which can help find lawyers and notify family.
• You can usually make phone calls. Memorize two or three numbers before you ever need them. Most calls from detention are recorded: do not discuss your case except on properly arranged legal calls.
• You can request medical care: put requests in writing and keep copies.

Know your A-number

Your Alien Registration Number (A-number) is how everything is tracked: your case, your location, your bond. Share it with your family and lawyer as soon as you can. Family can find where you are held with it at locator.ice.gov.

Ask about bond

Many people can ask an immigration judge for a bond hearing to be released while their case proceeds. Ask your lawyer immediately, and gather ties: family, work history, community letters, medical needs.

Court

• Case status by phone, any time: 1-800-898-7180 (automated, needs your A-number).
• Showing up to every hearing matters. Missing one can mean an automatic removal order.

For your family

Point them to If a Loved One Is Detained and Emergency Hotlines and Rapid Response. If you made a Family Preparedness Plan, it activates now.