What To Do During Increased Immigration Enforcement And Deportation: A Guide By A New York Immigration Lawyer
14 June 2025By Alena Shautsova, New York Immigration Lawyer
Your Best Immigration Lawyer in the USA
Recent years have brought a sharp increase in immigration enforcement, with more detentions, workplace raids, and deportation orders. The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in coordination with local law enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), continues to focus on non-citizens with removal orders, criminal convictions, or immigration status violations.
As a New York Immigration Lawyer, I have represented countless individuals and families affected by immigration arrests and deportations. This guide will help you understand what to do if you or a loved one is arrested, how to locate someone in immigration detention, and how to request an immigration bond.
Why Immigration Enforcement Is Increasing
Immigration enforcement rises under policy shifts, legislative initiatives, or when ICE receives increased funding for operations. Targeted groups include:
- People with past deportation orders
- Undocumented immigrants
- Individuals with denied asylum claims
- Visa overstays or those with lapsed work authorization
- Criminal non-citizens (even with minor or old convictions)
New York City, despite being a sanctuary jurisdiction, still sees immigration arrests, especially after criminal court appearances or through jail transfers under specific ICE detainers.
What To Do If You or Someone You Know Is Arrested by ICE
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Do Not Sign Anything Without an Attorney
Upon arrest, ICE may ask the person to sign a document waiving their rights or agreeing to voluntary departure. Do not sign any paper without consulting an immigration attorney. Signing could lead to immediate deportation without a hearing.
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Ask for a Lawyer Immediately
Every individual has the right to an immigration attorney, at their own expense. The government does not provide free legal counsel, but you can call a New York Immigration Lawyer or a nonprofit legal aid group for assistance.
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Do Not Lie or Provide False Documents
Lying to ICE or presenting fake identification will make the situation worse and may disqualify you from immigration benefits like asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
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Remain Silent About Immigration Status
The person arrested can invoke their right to remain silent, especially during questioning about immigration status, country of origin, or prior entries. If you have proof of valid status, however, then it is wise to show it, as it may prevent you from being detained!
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Prepare an Emergency Plan
Keep copies of important documents (passport, birth certificate, prior immigration filings, marriage/birth certificates) in a safe place. Provide trusted family members with access and retain the contact information of your immigration attorney.
How to Locate Someone in Immigration Detention
Once someone is detained, time is of the essence. Here’s how to find them:
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Use the ICE Detainee Locator
Visit: https://locator.ice.gov
You will need either:
- The person’s Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and country of birth, or
- Their full name, country of birth, and date of birth
Tip:
If the system doesn't show the person immediately, try again later. It may take a few hours for records to update.
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Call the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office
If online lookup fails, contact the ERO office nearest to where the person was arrested. In New York, the number is:
ICE ERO New York Field Office:
Phone: (212) 264-4213
Address: 26 Federal Plaza, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10278
Be prepared with the person’s name, date of birth, and country of birth.
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Contact an Immigration Lawyer
A licensed immigration lawyer can file a G-28 (Notice of Appearance) and directly request information from ICE.
How to Ask for an Immigration Bond
If someone is in ICE custody, they may be eligible for release on bond. Immigration bond is a type of guarantee that the person will appear in court and follow orders from an immigration judge.
Who Is Eligible for a Bond?
- Individuals not subject to mandatory detention (e.g., those without certain criminal convictions or final removal orders)
- Those who pose no danger to the community or flight risk
- Those with family, community ties, or a history of compliance
How to Request a Bond:
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File a Bond Hearing Request
- Your attorney will request a “Rodriguez” or “Joseph” bond hearing (depending on circumstances) before an Immigration Judge.
- This request may be oral or written.
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Prepare Evidence for the Hearing
- Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
- Proof of residence in the U.S.
- Letters from employers, community members, religious leaders
- Proof of family ties (e.g., children/spouse with legal status)
- Past compliance with immigration or criminal courts
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Bond Hearing Takes Place
- The judge considers if the person is a danger or flight risk.
- ICE may oppose bond or request a high amount.
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Bond Is Set or Denied
- If granted, bond can range from $1,500 to over $25,000.
- If denied, the decision can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
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Pay the Bond
- Must be paid to ICE ERO Bond Office by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR).
- Payment must be made with a money order or cashier’s check.
Can ICE Detain Someone with a Pending Application?
Yes. Having a pending asylum, TPS, or adjustment of status case does not automatically prevent detention or removal. However, you can seek stays of removal, requests for prosecutorial discretion, and bond release, especially if your application is strong and timely filed.
Practical Tips from a New York Immigration Lawyer
- Memorize your A-number and your attorney’s contact information
- Educate your family about what to do in case you are arrested
- Avoid criminal charges that may trigger mandatory ICE detention
- Update your address with USCIS and EOIR to avoid missing court dates
- Consult a New York Immigration Lawyer if you received a notice from ICE, a Notice to Appear (NTA), or if you think you may be targeted
Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Facing immigration enforcement is frightening—but being prepared, informed, and legally represented can make a life-changing difference. Every day, we help people fight detention, secure bonds, reopen removal orders, and win their cases in court.
If you or your loved one is at risk of arrest or has already been detained, act quickly and get professional help.
Contact Alena Shautsova, Experienced New York Immigration Lawyer
CALL 917 885 2261
Serving clients across New York City and nationwide
Specializing in Removal Defense, Immigration Bonds, ICE Detention, and Asylum