What to Do If ICE Arrests You: Essential Guide for Immigrants in the U.S.

What to do if ICE arrests you

Importance of Form G-28

Legal options when facing ICE

Detention by immigration agents remains one of the greatest fears for thousands of immigrants in the United States.

In this scenario, knowing the basic steps and your legal rights can make a crucial difference during the first hours in custody.

Immigration specialists emphasize that no detainee loses constitutional protections because of their immigration status.

However, lack of information continues to leave many people in vulnerable and legally risky situations — which is why understanding what to do if ICE arrests you is critical.

Your Immediate Rights When Detained by ICE

What to Do If ICE Arrests You: Essential Guide for Immigrants in the U.S. – Photo: ICE Agency

If you are detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you have the right to make a phone call to notify family members or seek legal assistance.

You also have the right not to sign any documents you do not understand or that have not been reviewed by an attorney.

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The law allows you to request legal representation and to contact your country’s consulate.

If you have lived in the U.S. for more than two years, you should inform officers, as this may influence future immigration determinations.

Knowing these rights is a fundamental part of understanding what to do if ICE arrests you.

The Importance of Form G-28

One of the most urgent steps for someone facing deportation is signing Form G-28, the document that authorizes an attorney to represent you.

Without this form, lawyers often face obstacles when trying to communicate with clients inside detention centers.

In some facilities, access to detainees can be complicated, delaying legal advice at critical moments.

For this reason, experts recommend signing the G-28 in advance and keeping a copy with a trusted family member or friend.

How the G-28 Speeds Up Legal Defense

Having a signed G-28 allows an attorney to act more quickly and avoid delays that can last up to nine days.

That speed is vital for requesting a bond hearing or reviewing the legality of the detention.

If an immigration judge denies bond on the grounds that the person is a flight risk or danger, there are still legal alternatives.

In those cases, the defense may turn to federal court to file a habeas corpus petition.

The Role of Habeas Corpus in Immigration Cases

A habeas corpus petition requires the immigration court to justify why it considers the individual a danger or flight risk.

This legal tool has led to favorable outcomes for many detainees seeking release while their cases proceed.

However, in states such as Texas, where rules tend to be stricter, obtaining legal relief can be more difficult.

Advocates warn that some immigrants detained in other states are being transferred to Texas facilities, making their situation more challenging.

The Urgency of Acting Quickly

Given these transfers and policy changes, attorneys stress the importance of detainees speaking with legal representatives immediately.

Every hour can impact defense strategy, bond requests, and the filing of legal motions.

Understanding the initial steps and preparing essential documents before any incident can significantly reduce risks.

For immigrant communities, accurate information remains one of the most powerful defenses in a detention process, according to Telemundo, and knowing what to do if ICE arrests you can make a decisive difference.