Empowering Immigrants, Strengthening America
Recent changes in how Camden police cooperate with federal immigration authorities have created uncertainty for local residents. If ICE agents or local officers with an immigration detainer take you into custody, your future in the United States hangs in the balance. Being detained means you are at risk for removal. At DeCosmo Law, our immigration lawyers fight to protect your rights from the moment of arrest.
Initial Detention and Processing
Once authorities detain you on immigration grounds, a specific process begins that determines your immediate future. Knowing what to expect helps you and your family prepare for the following steps:
● Transfer to ICE: Local police may hold you for up to 48 hours before transferring custody to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who will process your case.
● Intake: ICE officers will photograph you, collect fingerprints, and conduct a background check to review your immigration history and any criminal record.
● A-Number: You will receive an eight- or nine-digit Alien Registration Number that identifies your case in all future immigration proceedings and paperwork.
Legal Rights and Procedures
You have the right to remain silent during any questioning by immigration officers and exercising that right cannot be held against you. Knowing your other protections can prevent mistakes that damage your case:
● Right to an Attorney: The federal government will not appoint a lawyer to represent you in immigration court. You must either hire private counsel or seek assistance from nonprofit organizations that offer free or reduced-cost legal services.
● Do Not Sign: Officers may present documents in English that waive your rights or accept voluntary departure. Never sign anything you do not fully understand without first consulting an attorney.
● Notice to Appear (NTA): ICE will issue this charging document that lists the allegations against you and schedules your first appearance before an immigration judge.
Seeking Release (Bond)
Remaining in detention while your case proceeds can take months or even years. Our Camden immigration attorneys pursue bond as quickly as possible to reunite you with your family while we prepare your defense in immigration court.
Bond Eligibility
Not everyone qualifies for release on bond during removal proceedings. Under INA § 236(c), certain individuals with specific criminal convictions or prior removal orders are subject to mandatory detention without the possibility of bond throughout their case.
Bond Hearing
An immigration judge will evaluate whether you pose a flight risk or danger to the community. Our lawyers present evidence of your ties to the community, employment history, and family relationships to argue for the lowest possible bond amount.
Contact an Experienced Immigration Lawyer in Camden, New Jersey
If ICE has detained you or a loved one, every hour matters in building an effective defense. Call DeCosmo Law at 856-361-2122 to schedule a consultation with a trusted bilingual immigration lawyer who will take immediate action. Our firm has over 80 years of collective experience practicing immigration and criminal law, and maintains offices conveniently located in Camden, Mount Holly, and Haddonfield to serve clients throughout South Jersey.