Jacksonville Detention Attorney Serving Clients Nationwide
When Someone You Love Is Detained, Every Step Matters
When a loved one is taken into immigration custody, families can be left with urgent questions. Where are they being held? How long will they remain detained? Are they eligible for release? Will they have to remain in custody while their immigration case moves forward? Understanding what happens next can be difficult, particularly when detention occurs unexpectedly.
At Bilbao Law, LLC, we represent individuals facing immigration detention and help families understand potential options for seeking release. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, and serving immigration clients nationwide, our firm provides focused immigration representation during situations in which timely legal guidance can be especially important.
Immigration detention may involve U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and can occur under a variety of circumstances. An individual may be detained after an encounter with immigration authorities, following certain arrests or criminal matters, during removal proceedings, after entering the United States, or because of an existing immigration or removal issue.
Being detained by immigration authorities does not necessarily mean a person will remain in custody until their case is completed. Depending on the individual's circumstances and the legal authority governing the detention, release may be possible. Some individuals may be eligible to request a bond hearing before an immigration judge, while others may be subject to different detention rules or procedures.
Attorney Vilerka Solange Bilbao has experience representing detained immigrants and individuals facing removal proceedings. We work to understand the circumstances surrounding the detention, determine what legal options may be available, and advocate for our client's ability to move forward through the immigration process.
Call Bilbao Law, LLC at 904-300-0825 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Immigration Bonds and Bond Hearings
An immigration bond is different from bond in a state or federal criminal case. Immigration detention and bond eligibility are governed by federal immigration law, including provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and applicable federal regulations and court decisions.
A bond hearing generally provides an opportunity to ask an immigration judge to consider whether an eligible detained individual should be released while immigration proceedings continue. However, not every person in immigration custody is eligible for a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Eligibility can depend on the basis for detention, immigration history, manner of entry, criminal record, prior removal orders, and other factors.
When a bond hearing is available, the circumstances surrounding the individual and the proposed release plan can be important. Issues considered in immigration bond proceedings may include whether the person is likely to appear for future immigration hearings and whether release would present a danger to persons or property.
Supporting evidence may therefore play an important role. Depending on the case, this could include documentation showing family and community ties, employment history, a stable residence, length of time in the United States, financial responsibilities, prior compliance with immigration proceedings, rehabilitation, or other positive factors. Family members may be able to assist by gathering documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, letters of support, proof of residence, employment records, tax documents, medical information, or evidence demonstrating the individual's connections to the community. The evidence that is appropriate will depend on the circumstances of the particular case.
A person's criminal history can also significantly affect immigration detention and bond eligibility. Certain offenses may trigger mandatory detention, which can limit whether an immigration judge has authority to grant bond. Because the immigration consequences of a criminal matter can be complicated, we carefully review available criminal and immigration records when evaluating detention cases.
Bond is also separate from the underlying removal case. Obtaining release from immigration custody does not end removal proceedings or grant lawful immigration status. The individual must continue addressing their immigration case and attend all required hearings after release.
Focused Advocacy During an Urgent Immigration Matter
Immigration detention can place enormous pressure on an entire family. A detained individual may be separated from children and spouses, unable to work, and unable to manage everyday responsibilities while their immigration case continues. Family members may also struggle to obtain information about the detention or understand what they can do to help.
At Bilbao Law, LLC, we begin by reviewing the circumstances surrounding the detention and the client's broader immigration history. This may include examining immigration court information, prior applications, entry history, removal orders, criminal records when applicable, and other documents relevant to the person's custody status.
If the individual may be eligible for a bond hearing, we work to prepare the request and supporting evidence. Preparation can include identifying favorable factors, organizing documentation, addressing potential concerns, and preparing the client for questions that may arise before the immigration judge.
Attorney Bilbao's immigration practice includes detained immigrant representation, deportation and removal defense, immigration appeals, humanitarian immigration matters, and federal immigration litigation involving detention and due process. This broader litigation background allows our firm to consider not only the immediate question of custody, but also how detention relates to the client's underlying immigration case.
In some situations, a detained person may not qualify for a traditional immigration bond hearing. That does not necessarily mean the family should assume that no legal options exist. The appropriate response depends on why the individual is being detained, the statutory authority governing the detention, prior immigration proceedings, and other circumstances. A careful legal review can help determine what avenues may be available.
If release is granted, the immigration case is not over. The individual must continue complying with immigration court requirements, attend scheduled hearings, and pursue any available defenses or applications for relief. Our firm can help clients understand how the detention matter fits into the larger immigration process.
When someone you care about has been detained, obtaining reliable information quickly can make the situation more manageable. You should not have to rely solely on rumors or incomplete information while trying to determine what happens next.
From our office in Jacksonville, Florida, Bilbao Law, LLC serves immigration clients nationwide. If you or a loved one has been detained by immigration authorities, contact our firm to discuss the circumstances, potential bond eligibility, and available options for seeking release and addressing the underlying immigration case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a family member has been detained by ICE?
Try to gather as much information as possible, including the person’s full name, date of birth, A-Number if available, and information about where they may be detained. Speaking with an immigration attorney promptly can help you understand the detention and potential options for release.
Is everyone detained by immigration authorities eligible for a bond hearing?
No. Bond eligibility depends on factors such as the legal basis for detention, immigration history, manner of entry, prior removal orders, and certain criminal matters. Some individuals may be subject to mandatory detention or other restrictions.
What happens during an immigration bond hearing?
During a bond hearing, an immigration judge considers whether an eligible detained individual may be released while their immigration proceedings continue. Issues such as the likelihood of appearing for future hearings and potential danger to the community may be considered.
What evidence can help at an immigration bond hearing?
Depending on the case, helpful evidence may include proof of family and community ties, a stable residence, employment, financial responsibilities, length of time in the United States, prior compliance with immigration requirements, and letters of support.
How is the amount of an immigration bond determined?
When an immigration judge has authority to grant bond, the amount can depend on the individual circumstances of the case. The judge may consider factors such as immigration history, community ties, criminal history, and likelihood of appearing at future proceedings.
Does being released on immigration bond end the deportation case?
No. Release on bond allows an individual to leave immigration detention while their case continues. The person must still attend all required immigration court hearings and comply with any conditions of release.
Have Questions About Your Immigration Options?
Whether you are seeking lawful status, reuniting with family, pursuing citizenship, or facing an urgent immigration matter, we are here to help you understand your options and next steps. Call Bilbao Law, LLC at 904-300-0825 today to speak with an attorney about your immigration matter.