What are my rights if I'm detained by ICE?

You have the right to remain silent, the right to speak to an attorney, the right to a hearing before an immigration judge, and the right to contact your consulate. Do not sign any documents (especially a voluntary departure order) without understanding them.

Can I get bond if I'm in immigration detention?

Many detained individuals are eligible for bond. An immigration judge weighs flight risk and danger to the community. Minimum bond is $1,500 [§ 8 U.S.C. 1226(a)(2)(A)]. Some individuals are subject to mandatory detention and are not eligible for bond [§ 8 U.S.C. 1226].

What is cancellation of removal?

A form of relief for long-term residents. LPRs need 7+ years of continuous residence and 5 years as an LPR. Non-LPRs need 10+ years of continuous physical presence and must show exceptional hardship to a qualifying relative [§ 8 U.S.C. 1229b].

Topic guideUpdated 2026-02-27

Texas Deportation Defense — Know Your Rights

Removal proceedings, cancellation of removal, asylum, and your rights if detained by ICE in Texas.

If you or a family member is in Removal proceedings, understanding your rights is critical. The immigration court system operates under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), separate from USCIS §8 U.S.C. 1229a.

Immigration court for Texas

Immigration cases from Texas are heard at the Dallas Immigration Court; El Paso Immigration Court; Houston Immigration Court; San Antonio Immigration Court; Harlingen Immigration Court — Texas has more immigration courts than any other state due to its proximity to the border and large immigrant population.

Detention facilities

Texas has more ICE detention facilities than any other state, including: South Texas ICE Processing Center (Pearsall); Port Isabel Service Processing Center (Los Fresnos); Houston Contract Detention Facility (Houston); T. Don Hutto Residential Center (Taylor); El Paso Service Processing Center (El Paso); numerous county jails with ICE intergovernmental service agreements

Common defenses against removal

Cancellation of removal

Available to LPRs with 7+ years of continuous residence and 5+ years as an LPR, or to non-LPRs with 10+ years of continuous physical presence and exceptional hardship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or LPR relative §8 U.S.C. 1229b.

Asylum

Available to individuals who fear persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Must generally be filed within one year of arrival §8 U.S.C. 1158.

Withholding of removal

A higher standard than asylum but provides protection if you can show it is "more likely than not" that you would face persecution §8 U.S.C. 1231.

Convention Against Torture (CAT)

Protection for individuals who would face torture by or with the acquiescence of a government official upon return to their home country.

State cooperation with ICE

Texas prohibits sanctuary policies. SB 4 (2017, codified at Tex. Gov't Code Ch. 752) bans local entities from adopting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Law enforcement officials who fail to comply with ICE detainer requests face criminal penalties and removal from office. In 2023, Texas enacted SB 4 (distinct from the 2017 law) attempting to create a state crime of illegal entry and authorize state judges to order removal; key provisions have been challenged and stayed in federal court (United States v. Texas, 5th Cir.). §Tex. Gov't Code 752.053

⚠If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to remain silent. Do not sign any documents without understanding them. Ask to speak with an attorney. You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Quick checklist (Immigration)

Gather these before your first consultation.

Valid identification

(passport, birth certificate, national ID)

Immigration documents

(visa, I-94, approval notices, prior petitions)

Supporting evidence

(employment records, family ties, financial docs)

General preparation tips only. Specific needs depend on your case type and immigration status.

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