Being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be very frightening. You might feel scared, confused, or hopeless. But it’s important to remember that you have rights, and there are steps you and your family can take to protect yourself. 

1. Stay Calm and Do Not Resist

If ICE detains you, do not run or resist. This can make things worse. Stay calm and speak as little as possible. You do not have to answer every question. 

Remember: 

  • You have the right to remain silent. 
  • You do not have to sign anything without a lawyer. 
  • You do not have to tell them your immigration status or where you were born.  

You can say: “I am using my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.” 

2. Ask to Speak With a Lawyer

You have the right to talk to a lawyer before you answer any questions. Even if ICE pressures you to talk or sign something, you can and should ask for a lawyer. 

At Flora Legal Group, we help people who are being held by ICE. Our team is based in Indianapolis and Louisville, and we fight hard for immigrant families. If you are detained, or someone you know is, call us right away. We will help guide you through the next steps and work to get you released. 

3. Do Not Sign Anything Without Your Lawyer

ICE may try to get you to sign papers. They might say it will help you get out faster or that you have no other choice. But don’t sign anything without a lawyer looking at it first. 

Some forms are actually deportation agreements. Signing them could mean that you agree to leave the U.S. without seeing a judge. If you sign by mistake, it can be very hard to undo. 

Just say: “I will not sign anything until I speak with my lawyer.” 

4. Try to Remember Important Information

If you are detained, try to remember: 

  • The location where you are being held 
  • The name of the facility or center 
  • Any officer names or badge numbers 
  • The time and date you were taken 

This information can help your lawyer and your family find you more quickly. 

Also, if possible, try to make a phone call to your family or lawyer as soon as you are allowed to. ICE is supposed to let you make at least one call, but you may have to ask clearly. 

5. Tell Your Family to Call a Lawyer Right Away

If your family finds out you’ve been detained, they should contact a trusted immigration lawyer immediately. Time is very important. A lawyer can: 

  • Find out where you’re being held 
  • Help stop a quick deportation 
  • Request a bond hearing to get you released 
  • Guide your family through the legal process 

Flora Legal Group is here to help with all of this. We know how scary it is when someone is taken by ICE, and we work quickly to protect your rights. 

6. You Might Be Able to Ask for Bond

Sometimes, you can ask for a bond hearing in immigration court. If the judge agrees, they may let you go free while your case continues, as long as someone pays a bond (similar to bail). 

Your lawyer can help you ask for a bond and prepare for that hearing. They can also explain whether you qualify based on your record and your ties to the community. 

The more support you have (family in the U.S., steady job, no criminal record), the better your chances. 

7. You Have the Right to a Hearing Before a Judge

Unless you signed a document giving up your rights, you cannot be deported without seeing an immigration judge. The law gives you the right to explain your case in court. 

This is why it’s so important not to sign anything and to ask for a lawyer. A judge can decide if you qualify to stay in the U.S. through asylum, cancellation of removal, or another form of relief. 

9. Make a Safety Plan Before Anything Happens

Even if you are not detained now, it’s smart to make a plan in case it happens. Here’s what you can do: 

  • Memorize the phone number of your lawyer and a trusted family member. 
  • Give a trusted person legal permission to care for your children or handle bills if you’re taken. 
  • Keep all important documents in one place. 
  • Tell your family to call Flora Legal Group right away if you are ever detained. 

In conclusion, being detained by ICE is scary, but you are not alone. There are things you can do to protect yourself. The most important steps are to stay calm, ask for a lawyer, and not sign anything until you get legal advice. 

At Flora Legal Group, we are ready to fight for you and your family. If you or someone you know has been detained, contact us immediately. We will work to get you help and protect your rights every step of the way. 

📍 Indianapolis, IN: (317) 487-4652
📍 Louisville, KY: (502) 493-6009