In recent months, there’s been a notable increase in the issuance of appointment letters by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These letters summon noncitizens to ICE’s local field offices for meetings with ICE officers. While the exact purpose behind this most recent wave of letters remains unconfirmed, it appears that individuals with outstanding removal or deportation orders are primarily being targeted. However, even those without such orders have received these notices, and it’s possible another wave of appointment letters will be issued in the wake of the government’s sweeping immigration restrictions announced in the past week.
If you are not a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. citizen and receive one of these letters, the stakes of attending the ICE appointment could be high. There are several potential outcomes:
- Detention: You could be detained by ICE.
- ICE Order of Supervision: This could involve regular check-ins with ICE.
- Alternatives to Detention (ATD): You may be required to participate in ATD (sometimes called ISAP) through a contracting company. ATD programs impose conditions on a noncitizen, which could include wearing a tracking device such as an ankle monitor or watch; communicating with the monitoring company via a dedicated app on your phone; participating in video calls with the company; and attending in-person appointments at your home or the company’s office.
If you receive an ICE appointment letter, it is critical to consult with an immigration attorney before your scheduled ICE appointment. Here’s why:
- Case Evaluation: An attorney can thoroughly assess your current immigration status and identify any risks or opportunities. The attorney can also help to identify certain documents that may help to minimize the risks of attending your ICE appointment.
- Outcome Preparation: Understanding the potential outcomes and preparing for them is crucial. Your attorney can help you navigate these complex scenarios and provide guidance tailored to your situation.
- Appointment Management: An attorney can communicate with ICE to potentially reschedule or even cancel the appointment if deemed appropriate by ICE.
- Appointment Attendance: An attorney can accompany you to the ICE appointment, ensuring that your case is understood by ICE and your voice is heard.
Receiving an appointment letter from ICE can be daunting. However, taking immediate and informed action can significantly impact the outcome. By consulting with experienced legal counsel, you can better protect your rights and prepare for any result.
At Kolko & Casey, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance to those navigating these challenging situations. If you or someone you know received an ICE appointment letter, please contact us to see if we can assist.
This advisal is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or rely on any information in this article without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.
