Flag and passport

Immigrants & Immigration

prisoners_rights_man_behind_bars_3.jpg
Immigration arrests and detention

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrest people and put them in detention. Immigration detention is when someone is detained Includes juveniles held prior to a court makes a decision about their case,  awaiting transfer to adult criminal court, or awaiting a hearing or trial in adult criminal court. in a facility due to an immigration-related reason. Every year, more people are held in custody for immigration violations. Immigrants can be held in custody for several months or longer while fighting their cases. Learn more here.

Immigration detention basics
Learn more about what happens when someone is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Guide
Immigration arrests and workplace raids basics
Learn about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and what to expect if ICE is present in the community.
Guide
Immigration resource guide for advocates in 2025
List of current resources for advocates helping detained and non-detained immigrants.
Text article
Immigration bond common questions
Explains the process of bond release for immigrants in detention, including who qualifies, how bond amounts are determined, and the steps to request a bond hearing
FAQ
Traffic violations and your immigration status
​Discover how traffic violations can impact your immigration status. Understand how ICE handles different offenses and what may lead to detainment.
Text article
Immigration court and detainees common questions
Learn how immigration court works for detained immigrants: who may see a judge, how to confirm court dates, and what happens at hearings.
FAQ
Should somebody sign papers to be deported?
Learn about stipulated removal and voluntary departure, two options for leaving the U.S. during removal proceedings.
Text article
Paying an immigrant's bond
Learn how to pay an immigration bond online and update your mailing address after release.
How-To
Deportation and removal basics
Deportation is when the government forces someone to leave the U.S. Learn who can be deported, what can make someone inadmissible, and possible legal options.
Guide
Filing a writ of habeas corpus
Steps to file a writ of habeas corpus to challenge why you are in prison.
How-To
Fighting a deportation or removal case
Learn who can be deported, why it happens, and steps you can take to fight your removal case.
How-To
Immigration detention experience
Explains the standards that detention centers should meet, including the right to have visitors, phone cards, mail, and more.
Text article
Preparing for the threat of mass deportation and ICE encounters
Find resources to prepare for mass deportation threats from the incoming administration and ICE encounters in Illinois. Learn about your rights, access legal help, and discover ways to protect yourself and your family.
Text article
Immigration Law
Assistance for attorneys dealing with immigration and immigration issues. Immigration law is now in the news on an almost daily — and some days hourly — “breaking news” status. This handbook covers guidance and resources for attorneys regularly practicing in this area. 2022 edition.
IICLE
Immigration detention common questions
Learn more about immigration detention, as well as rights and options immigrants have.
FAQ
Finding someone who may be in immigration detention
This how-to explains steps to getting more information about someone who has been detained by immigration officials.
How-To