Urgent help
Someone was detained, or a court date is close.
Alguien fue detenido, o la fecha de corte está cerca.
Breathe. You can do this in order. Call first, then follow the steps below. You do not have to know the law. That is our job.
Call the 24-hour line first
The 24-hour line is for detentions and hearing emergencies. At night a trained team member answers in English or Spanish, takes the details, and an attorney calls you back, usually within a few hours. We will not promise more than that.
If someone you love was detained
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1
Call our 24-hour line
Tell us the person's full name, date of birth, country and, if you know it, their A-number. We start looking right away.
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2
Find where they are held
The ICE online detainee locator can find someone by A-number, or by name, country and date of birth. Records can take a day or two to update.
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3
Tell them not to sign anything
If you can speak with them, remind them not to sign papers they do not understand and to ask for a lawyer.
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4
Gather papers in one place
IDs, birth certificates of children, proof of address, pay stubs and letters of support. These are the bond packet.
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5
Do not pay anyone who promises release
No one can promise release. A notario or bond company is not a lawyer.
Four things not to do
- Do not pay anyone who promises a release or a visa.
- Do not let the person sign papers agreeing to leave before they speak to a lawyer.
- Do not skip a check-in or a hearing because you are afraid.
- Do not lie or show false documents to officers.
If a hearing is close
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1
Check the date and the court
Use the court's online case status tool or automated phone line with your A-number. Dates change, so check again the week before.
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2
Update your address
If you moved, the court must have your new address. A notice sent to an old address can lead to a missed hearing.
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3
Bring every paper you have
Bring your notices and any documents you have to a free case evaluation, so we can see the whole picture.
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4
Go, even if you are afraid
Missing a hearing can lead to a removal order without you there. Going, especially with a lawyer, keeps your options open.
If a hearing was missed
When someone misses a hearing, the judge can order them removed without them there. This is called an in absentia order. It is serious, and it is not always the end.
If the hearing notice never arrived, or something serious stopped you from going, a lawyer may be able to ask the court to reopen the case. Some of these requests have strict deadlines, so the day you find out matters.
General information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Read your rights
Free case evaluation
Not urgent today? Book a free evaluation.
The first 30-minute case evaluation is free, by phone, video or in person, in English or Spanish.
Urgent
Someone detained, or a court date soon?
(704) 555-0119Answered 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish.
What to do right now