Local attorney Lashandra Peoples-Johnson explains the process for those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and what rights and steps are involved.

Who ICE Detains:

ICE detains non-citizens alleged to have violated immigration laws. Detentions can occur after an ICE arrest at home, work, or a check-in; following a transfer from criminal custody; or at a port of entry like an airport.

Where Detainees Are Held:

Detainees may be held in ICE detention facilities, local jails under intergovernmental agreements, or private facilities. Some local jails have held ICE detainees, though policies have shifted under different federal administrations.

Rights of Detainees:

Those in ICE custody have the right to:

Legal counsel at their own expense

Contact family, consulates, and

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