Moultrie 287(g)/ICE Immigration Lawyer
Being arrested or detained by immigration officers, or others acting with the same authority, is a very frightening experience. Unfortunately, arrests and detainments are becoming more and more common today. If you or someone you love has been arrested based on their immigration status, you need legal help. It is critical to remember that you still have many rights, even if you are not in the country legally. Below, our Moultrie immigration lawyer explains further.
287(g) Agreements
Under the 287(g) program, local and state law enforcement officials enter into an agreement with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agreement grants immigration enforcement powers to the local law enforcement agency. Once an agreement is reached and law enforcement officers are trained, they can then act in the same manner as ICE agents within their jail or while conducting other law enforcement activities.
The 287(g) program is not new. In fact, it has been around for several decades. In the past, however, it was limited to just a few jails in a handful of states participating in it. Today, the program has expanded significantly. Many states, including Georgia, have passed new state laws requiring all counties to participate. This has contributed to the mass deportation happening in Georgia, and throughout the country.
ICE Hold
ICE holds are very stressful, not only for the person being detained, but for their family, as well. Also known as an immigration detainer, an ICE holds a request from ICE to a local law enforcement agency who has someone in custody. The request asks the agency to hold the individual for up to 48 hours beyond their release date, excluding holidays and weekends.
If someone you love is in an ICE hold, it can be challenging to try and help them. ICE is not a reliable source of consistent information for many people. For example, while the agency has an online detainee locator tool, it often requires personal information about the person being held that you may not know. ICE can also transfer detainees to different facilities without notice, meaning the database is often out of date.
Immigration Detention
In some situations, undocumented individuals within the United States might be detained by ICE, and face the risk of deportation. Immigration detention is very unpleasant. Individuals may be detained in secure facilities, often for indefinite periods of time. The conditions in immigration detention vary but they are often similar to jails and prisons, including the use of uniforms and limited movement. Certain facilities have come under scrutiny for insufficient medical care, overcrowding, and other human rights violations.
Call Our Immigration Lawyer in Moultrie Today
Today, it is not only immigration officials who have authority over immigrants and ICE holds and detentions are becoming more common. If you have been arrested, or someone you love is being detained, our Moultrie immigration lawyer at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. is here to help. We can prepare the defense you need, ensure your rights are upheld, and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Call us now at 229-520-8875 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advice you need.