What to Do If ICE Detains a Family Member in Texas

The primary Dallas-area facility is the Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado. Other detention facilities in Texas include:

• Karnes County Immigration Processing Center in Karnes City
• Port Isabel Detention Center in Los Fresnos
• El Valle Detention Facility in Raymondville

Facility use may change, and ICE can transfer a detainee without advance notice to another detention center in Texas or anywhere in the United States.

You can locate someone in immigration custody using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.

You will need:

• Full legal name
• Country of birth
• Date of birth or A-number

If the person does not appear immediately, continue checking. Updates may take time.

Held in Immigration Detention Without Bond

Some individuals remain in custody without immediate release.

This may happen if:

• There is a prior removal order
• The person entered the United States without inspection and may be subject to mandatory detention.
• There are criminal charges involved

Released on an Immigration Bond

ICE may set an immigration bond in Texas, allowing release.

This allows the individual to:

• Return home
• Continue their case outside of detention
• Prepare a defense in immigration court

Placed in Removal Proceedings

Most detainees are placed into removal proceedings.

This means:

• Their case will be reviewed by an immigration judge
• They must build a deportation defense strategy
• Their future in the U.S. will be decided in court

Once released:

• The individual must attend all court hearings
• The bond may be returned after the case ends

Types of Immigration Bonds

• Delivery Bond
  Allows release while attending immigration court
• Voluntary Departure Bond
  Applies if the person agrees to leave the U.S. voluntarily

Even while in immigration detention, individuals have rights.

These include:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to speak with an attorney
• The right to present their case in court

They are not required to answer questions about immigration status without legal guidance.

Gather Key Information

Write down:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Country of origin
• A-number if available

Locate the Detained Individual

Use the ICE detainee locator or contact the detention center directly.

Do Not Allow Documents to Be Signed Without Review

Detainees may be asked to sign paperwork that could affect their case.

This may include:

• Voluntary departure agreements
• Removal-related documents

These should not be signed without understanding the consequences.

Begin Collecting Supporting Documents

This may include:

• Proof of family ties
• Employment history
• Immigration records
• Letters of support

These documents may be needed for bond or court proceedings.

Speak With an Immigration Attorney Immediately

If your loved one is in ICE detention in Texas, this is the stage where fast legal action matters.

An immigration attorney can:

• Request a bond hearing
• Build a deportation defense
• Communicate with ICE and detention centers
• Protect legal options early

If ICE denies bond or sets it too high, a bond hearing can be requested.

During the hearing, the immigration judge will evaluate:

• Family ties in the United States
• Employment and community history
• Criminal background
• Likelihood of appearing in court

Strong documentation can improve the chances of release.

After release or while detained, the case continues. A strong deportation defense includes:

• A clear legal strategy
• Organized documentation
• Consistent testimony
• Evidence supporting eligibility for relief

The earlier this is prepared, the stronger the case.

Waiting Too Long to Take Action

Delays can reduce the chance of release.

Signing Documents Without Legal Advice

This can result in faster deportation.

Not Preparing for Immigration Court

Release from detention does not end the case.

Relying on Incorrect Information

Unqualified advice can harm the case.

An ICE detention situation affects the entire family.

There may be:

• Financial pressure
• Emotional stress
• Fear of separation

This is why acting quickly and having a clear plan is essential.

At Haim Vasquez Legal Group, we assist families facing ICE detention in Dallas, Fort Worth, and across Texas.

We help with:

• Immigration bond hearings
• Detainee rights protection
• Deportation defense
• Communication with detention facilities

Our approach is:

• Fast and responsive
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Focused on protecting your loved one’s future

We act quickly because we understand the urgency of these cases.