Families in Maryland that include undocumented members may be unsure of how to deal with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement when they hold these members of the family. It is crucial to remember that when undocumented family members are detained by ICE, it is necessary to act quickly. Much can happen that is not in favor of the people being held if no one acts quickly on their behalf.
A first step that individuals with loved ones in the custody of ICE can take is to contact the United States consulate of their country of origin. Consulates can put people in this situation in contact with immigration lawyers, and it is a good idea to make sure they are informed of the detainment.
Once a consulate gives an individual the contact information of an attorney who focuses on deportation defense, it is essential that the person call the lawyer as soon as possible. In fact, it is beneficial to call the attorney on the same day that an immigrant family member is put into ICE custody so that there is less time for the individual to mistakenly waive his or her right to a trial.
Finally, it might be useful to work with an attorney to gather documentation and evidence of the detained person’s contributions to the country. An attorney might be able to help an individual with a detained loved one show a court that the family member in custody does not have a criminal record, pays taxes or has children who were born in the United States. By putting this information together, an immigration attorney who focuses on defending deportees could help a client build a case for allowing the person to stay in the United States.