Prepare Before Anything Happens
The worst time to figure out what to do is while your loved one is already sitting in a detention center. You can and should prepare now and talk to a trustworthy Arlington, VA deportation defense lawyer as soon as possible. ICE policies change and it’s important to be informed.
Here’s what you can do:
- Keep all important documents in one safe place: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, prior immigration filings, removal orders, receipts, anything related to immigration or criminal history.
- Write down their full name, date of birth, and Alien Registration Number (A‑number) if they have one.
- Consult with a qualified immigration attorney now — not just a quick phone call, but a real consultation about your family’s situation. Decide who you will hire if something happens or have an attorney on standing retainer.
- Make sure everyone in the family has the attorney’s contact information saved and knows how to reach them.
This is exactly what I recommend to my clients — because if ICE comes to your door, you want to know who you’re calling, what it will cost, and what documents to bring.
Step 1: Stay Calm And Gather Information
If your loved one is detained, take a breath and focus on getting the facts:
- Their full name, date of birth, and if possible, their Alien Registration Number.
- Where they were detained and which facility they were taken to.
If you’re not sure where they are, use ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System — though it may take a day or two before they appear in the system.
Step 2: Tell Them Not To Sign Anything They Don’t Understand
Your family member should not sign any document they don’t fully understand.
ICE officers may pressure detainees to sign “voluntary departure” or other forms that waive their rights and result in removal. But at the same time, being confrontational or outright refusing to cooperate at all can make the situation worse.
Clients have reported occasions when officers became aggressive when people flatly refused to engage. Even accusations of obstructing or resisting.
So here’s my advice: stay calm, be polite, and if an officer insists on paperwork, say: “I want to make sure I understand this fully and speak to my lawyer before I sign anything.”
That simple sentence communicates that you’re not refusing to cooperate — but you also won’t sign away your rights blindly.
Sometimes you may need to work with the officers just enough to keep the situation from escalating. There can be a give‑and‑take in that moment, and staying respectful and measured can help prevent unnecessary conflict.
Step 3: Call An Immigration Attorney Immediately
Do not wait to “see what happens.” The sooner an experienced immigration lawyer is involved, the better.
An attorney can:
- Request a bond hearing and argue for their release.
- Review whether they qualify for relief, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
- Represent them in court and ensure their rights are protected.
If you’ve already done what I suggested earlier — and chosen your attorney in advance — this step will be easy.
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Start gathering documents right away to help with a bond hearing and the overall case:
- Letters from family, friends, employers, or community members showing support.
- Proof of U.S. ties, such as leases, bills, pay stubs, or children’s U.S. birth certificates.
- Evidence of good moral character and that they are not a danger to the community.
- Fixed address
Having these ready before the hearing can improve the chance of release.
Step 5: Attend Hearings And Show Support
If possible, attend their hearings in person. Judges notice when families and communities show up to support someone. A full courtroom speaks louder than words.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Panicking and signing away rights without speaking to an attorney.
- Lying to ICE officers when questioned. You are in a bad situation; lying only makes it worse.
- Believing everything ICE officers say without verifying it with a lawyer.
- Waiting too long to hire an attorney or gather documents.
- Missing deadlines or failing to appear for hearings.
Final Thoughts
When a loved one is detained by ICE, the situation feels overwhelming. But if you prepare in advance — and know exactly which attorney you’re going to call — you can take control of a very difficult moment.
If you need help with deportation or a different immigration issue, we can help with a wide range of needs.
I’ve handled these cases many times. My team and I know how to move quickly, how to build a case, and how to protect your family’s rights. If you’re ready to prepare now — or if someone you care about has already been detained — call the Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C. We’re here to help.
