ICE is actively carrying out detentions in the United States. People with certain statuses and backgrounds are at risk — from those who report for ICE check-ins to long-haul truck drivers and people on Interpol’s international wanted list. You can prepare the necessary documents for potential detention in advance, right now, before trouble strikes.

Who Is at Risk of ICE Arrest

People who report for check-ins at ICE. Usually these are people who crossed the US-Mexico border on parole, such as through asylum — a temporary refuge program. However, ICE can re-detain even those who were previously caught and released.

Long-haul truck drivers, regardless of status — if you don’t have a green card and work as a truck driver, you are in a high-risk group.

People with criminal convictions in the US, even if charges were dropped or the case was closed by settlement. ICE can arrest a person despite acquittal.

People with criminal records in their home country. If this is related to asylum and you have served time or received an administrative penalty, the information may not be in law enforcement databases, but the risk remains.

People on Interpol’s international wanted list. You can end up there unexpectedly. For example, lawyers have been placed on wanted lists for defending clients and conflicts with authorities in Russia over fraud cases.

People with humanitarian parole, TPS (Temporary Protected Status) status pending review or after approval. Also at risk are those who have applied for asylum and are waiting for a hearing without a scheduled individual hearing date.

Geographic Risk Zones

Airports — a place where detentions happen frequently. People with incomplete immigration status should avoid flying.

Mexican border, especially in Texas and California. Florida also has high risk.

Roads and car travel are dangerous. License plate recognition cameras (ALPR — Automatic License Plate Recognition) know a person’s status by their vehicle’s license plate. It doesn’t matter if you entered on a tourist visa, crossed the border with I-485 status, received asylum, or an extension. If your visa has expired, ICE can stop and detain you.

What to Do During Arrest: Acting on the Day of Detention

After detention, you must immediately file habeas corpus (an action for unlawful detention) with the Federal Court. This must be done the same day, because most federal courts close at 4:30 PM.

The problem is that people often don’t know their A-number (ICE case number). If it’s unknown, it’s difficult to find, especially if a person previously worked with an attorney and can’t reach them.

To be released on bond, you need to prepare a bond letter and correctly identify the judge who will hear the case. If you’re not prepared for this in advance, doing everything on the day of arrest is very difficult. Every hour after detention is critical.

If you don’t file habeas corpus on the first day, the person will be transferred to another jurisdiction. For example, from North Carolina to Georgia, where judges can be much stricter. After that, everything becomes more difficult, and often the person loses contact with family and friends.

Preparing Documents in Advance — Before Trouble Strikes

It’s better to prepare documents for habeas corpus and bond before detention occurs. The package includes all necessary documents, completed in advance, in a calm setting.

When trouble happens, your loved ones will receive notification. They will need to edit one or two lines, verify the jurisdiction, and send the documents to your attorney. This will take minutes instead of hours of distress.

Fully prepared documents help not only protect you legally, but also feel calmer every day.

When an Attorney Won’t Help — and How to Protect Yourself Otherwise

Bringing an attorney to an ICE check-in won’t help. Even an attorney’s presence at the location won’t stop detention if ICE decides to hold you. No arguments at the scene will work.

The only means of protection is to file habeas corpus in court. You won’t be able to negotiate with an ICE agent at the scene.

To travel between states, avoid airports if you don’t have status. An alternative is a train. Train travel usually doesn’t involve document checks. Driving a car is also dangerous due to license plate recognition cameras.

Bond Hearing and Release on Bail

If a bond hearing has taken place, release on bail is possible online. Personal court appearance is not required and usually provides no advantage. An attorney can represent you via video call.

After detention, ICE will conduct an interview and you will need to find out the date of the next hearing. All correspondence and court documents become critical for your defense.