What to do if you are arrested by immigration in San Antonio?
San Antonio, TX - If you’re an undocumented immigrant you never know when the police might knock on your door. You may also be arrested during a raid on places where immigrants are known to congregate or even when you show up for work. If you’re stopped for a traffic violation the police have no right to ask about your immigration status, but, in Texas, they probably will and you may be sent to an ICE detention facility.
If something like this happens to you, don’t panic. This is the most important thing. You have rights even if you’re an immigrant. To protect your rights contact an experienced deportation lawyer in San Antonio as soon as possible.
Here is what you need to do if you’re arrested by immigration authorities
Don’t say anything until you’ve seen a lawyer
Just as you’ve seen in the movies, when someone is arrested they have the right to remain silent and speak to an attorney. However, immigrants do not have the right to free legal counsel, so you or your family must contact knowledgeable San Antonio immigration lawyers.
Don’t sign papers you haven’t read
If you don’t speak English well it’s best not to sign anything until you’ve consulted with an attorney. They might get you to sign a paper saying you waive your right to see a lawyer or be presented before an immigration judge. This means they can put you on the next plane to your country of origin.
Don’t agree to voluntary departure
They will tell you this is the best solution. Yet, there are many ways you can stop removal proceedings against you. Speak with some skilled Texas immigration lawyers and they may come up with a deportation defense. Maybe you can seek asylum or adjustment of status. Voluntary departure is advisable only when you have no legal options to stop removal proceedings. In such a situation, your attorneys may indeed advise you to leave the country voluntarily. It sounds bad, but if you’re deported you will be barred from reentering US territory legally for many years.
Ask when you’ll be presented before the judge
Immigration authorities have 48 hours to decide whether to put you into immigration proceedings, and whether to keep you in custody or to release you on bond. If they place you in removal proceedings they have 72 hours to give you a Notice to Appear (NTA), containing information about your immigration hearing. If that doesn’t happen, alert your family and your lawyers.
The same applies to the bond. If the ICE doesn’t notify you about the bond, speak to your lawyers. They may be able to obtain a court hearing where the judge may grant you bond if you meet the requirements. This is your best shot to be released so you can prepare for your immigration hearing on the outside, as a free man.
Insist on your right to get a lawyer
Immigration officials are required to give you a list of groups that offer legal counsel, but they may fail to do so. If you’re presented before the Immigration Court before you’ve had a chance to talk to a lawyer, ask the judge to give you more time to find one.
If you were arrested by the ICE or you’re afraid you might get deported, get in touch with an experienced immigration lawyer at the Law Office of J. Joseph Cohen, servicing the San Antonio area.
Contact info:
San Antonio, TX
206 East Locust Street
