- Partner with a lawyer - Working with an experienced immigration lawyer is your best chance of success when trying to get someone released from ICE detention. If the detainee needs medical attention, your lawyer will make sure it is taken care of. Often times you are able to get information from your loved one’s deportation officer, but if he or she is not cooperative, your lawyer will be your best ally here.
- Inquire about bond - If your loved one is perceived to be a flight risk, they might have a high bond set for their release. Bond is very similar to bail; essentially it is money that must be paid in good faith for the detainee to return to court after their release. It is crucial that your attorney work with ICE regarding bond, because if the bond is too high or the person is considered to be so much of a risk that bond is not allowed, they will advocate for a reasonable bond.
- Attend a bond hearing - Not every detainee is allowed to have a bond hearing, in which the judge will determine if they can be released or not, but an attorney can help get you one if possible. This is where your immigration attorney can appeal for a lower bond and make a case that your loved one can be trusted to return for their hearing.
- Complete the process - Assuming your loved one is released from detention, they will be scheduled for a hearing on the Master Calendar along with many other cases. If relief is sought, your case can be moved to an Individual Hearing where the judge will concentrate only on your situation that day.