Step by Step Guide: Navigating Immigration Detainers (ICE Holds)

An ICE detainer, short for Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer, is a formal request issued by ICE to law enforcement agencies (state authorities), indicating their intent to take custody of an individual currently held in state or local custody. This process arises from the intersection of federal immigration enforcement and state criminal charges.

What triggers an ICE Detainer?

When a non-citizen or undocumented alien is arrested for committing a criminal offense, they are booked into the local jail (state custody). Individuals find themselves in state custody due to a range of offenses, unrelated to immigration violations. For example, they may be arrested for driving while intoxicated, assaulting family violence, or something more serious such as sexual assault or aggravated assault.

If local jail officials cannot confirm an individual’s citizenship, they will notify ICE officials that an individual is present in their jail who may be undocumented or a non-citizen. Once ICE officials are notified that a non-citizen has been arrested, they will decide whether to place an ICE detainer on that individual.

Reasons for an ICE Detainer – What factors does ICE use to place an ICE detainer on someone?

The factors that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) considers when placing an ICE detainer on someone are outlined in the DHS Form I-247 – Immigration Detainer – Notice of Action. These factors are crucial in determining whether an individual, currently in state or local custody, is subject to federal immigration enforcement. Here are some key factors considered by ICE:

1. Suspected Immigration Violations: