Do You Know What to Do if ICE Detains You After Your Hearing?

Since May 2025, officers from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been detaining people outside many immigration courts. If you or someone you support has a scheduled hearing, read this brochure carefully and share it widely.

🏛 Quick Guide for Immigration Court Hearings

👥 Who should read this brochure?

📂 Documents to prove 2 years

• 👤 People with immigration court appointments

• 👪 Family members or friends who are supporting someone

🚨 What's happening outside the courts?

• Since May 21, 2025, ICE has stationed officers outside and may arrest people after their hearing.

• In some cases, ICE initiates expedited removal ⚡ (faster deportation, without a judge).

⚠️ Who may face expedited removal?

• Those who entered without inspection and cannot prove 2 continuous years in the U.S.

• Those who had humanitarian parole (including CBP One) that has expired or been canceled.

🛡 Who is exempt?

• People who were inspected and admitted even if their visa has expired

• People with 2+ years in the U.S.

• Unaccompanied minors 👶

• Cubans who arrived by plane ✈️ Note: Parole is not formal admission; if it expires or is revoked, there is risk of expedited removal.

✍️ Before signing anything

• If presented with voluntary departure, stipulated removal, or waiver documents, ask to speak with an attorney first.

• Signing them may cause immediate removal.

❓ Questions for your hearing

1. Why is the government requesting dismissal?

2. What circumstances have changed?

3. What consequences am I facing?

⏱ Possible outcomes of expedited removal

• Deportation in 1 day ⚡

• No appeal ❌

• 5-year entry ban 🚫

• Obstacles for visas or family reunification 👨

• 🏠 Lease agreements

• 💡 Utility bills or bank statements

• 🏥 Medical, school, or work records

• ✉️ Mail with postmarks older than 2 years

  Tip: Keep copies in a protected folder and bring it to the court.

😨 If you are afraid to return to your country

Tell ICE:

1. “I am afraid to return to my home country.”

2. “I would like an interview to assess my fear.”

3. “I am afraid of being persecuted or tortured.”

This pauses expedited removal and allows you to explain your fear to an asylum officer.

📝 Key requests if your case is dismissed

1. Ask DHS to submit the motion in writing.

2. Request time to respond.

3. Request the full 10 days to find a lawyer.

🔒 If ICE arrests you after leaving the court

Know your basic rights:

• Right to remain silent 🤐 without a lawyer present.

• Right to speak with a lawyer 👩‍⚖️.

• Right to contact your consulate ☎️.

• Right to refuse a home search 🏠 without a court order.

✅ Checklist

• 📱 Save the phone numbers above

• 👩‍⚖️ Consult a lawyer before your next hearing

• 📂 Gather proof of 2+ years living in the U.S.

• 📢 Share this information with your friends, family, and community

🏡 Prepare your loved ones

• Discuss possible outcomes in advance

• Arrange child care and emergency contacts

• Keep important documents in a safe place

• Have money available for unexpected expenses 💵

ℹ️ Final Note

This brochure is for informational purposes and does not replace legal advice.

📩 Do you need help with your immigration case?

Contact us to receive personalized legal guidance.

👉 Click here to fill out the contact form

🏢 Santiago Legal LLC Your trusted partner in immigration law 📍 Based in the United States – Serving clients nationally and internationally