ICE Bond Lawyer in New York — Detention Release Guide

In New York, many ICE arrests now happen at check-ins and immigration court hearings. When a loved one is taken, families need to move fast. This guide from an ICE bond lawyer in New York perspective explains where people are held, how bond works in the Second Circuit and how to pursue release.

New York City has several immigration courts and a major ICE field office at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan. However, New York has limited long-term detention space. Consequently, detained New Yorkers are often transferred to New Jersey, upstate New York or other states.

Our attorneys prepare bond packets, parole requests and emergency case reviews for New York cases. As a result, families can act quickly even when a loved one has been moved.

Where ICE holds New Yorkers

People arrested in New York City are often first held at 26 Federal Plaza, which houses the ICE New York City field office. From there, they are frequently transferred. Common destinations include facilities in New Jersey, such as Elizabeth and Delaney Hall in Newark.

Upstate, the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia is a major ICE facility. Furthermore, county jails and facilities in other states are sometimes used. Therefore, a person arrested in Queens may end up in another state within a day.

Finding your loved one

Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator. However, transfers may take time to appear. Meanwhile, contact the New York City or Buffalo ERO field office. Keep a record of every call and inquiry.

New York immigration courts and the Second Circuit

New York City has several immigration courts. Detained cases have been heard at the Varick Street court, while non-detained cases are heard at 26 Federal Plaza and 290 Broadway. Upstate, the Batavia court hears detained cases.

New York is in the Second Circuit. In Velasco Lopez v. Decker (2020), the Second Circuit held that, after prolonged detention, due process can require the government to justify continued detention by clear and convincing evidence at a bond hearing. As a result, Second Circuit law can be important in long detention cases.

Recent bond eligibility changes

In 2025, the Board of Immigration Appeals held that many people who entered without inspection are not eligible for bond from an immigration judge. However, federal courts have been considering challenges. Therefore, an ICE detention case review should check both bond and federal habeas options.

New York law and courthouse arrests

New York limits cooperation between state and local agencies and ICE. For example, the Protect Our Courts Act restricts civil immigration arrests of people going to, attending or leaving state court proceedings, unless a judicial warrant is presented.

Furthermore, New York City has local policies limiting cooperation with ICE detainers. However, these laws do not apply to federal immigration courts. Consequently, arrests at 26 Federal Plaza after immigration hearings have been reported.

Therefore, anyone with an upcoming immigration court date or ICE check-in should prepare in advance. Our ICE check-in preparation service helps.

Building a strong bond packet in New York

A bond hearing is short. Therefore, the written packet does most of the persuading. It must show two things: your loved one will attend every hearing, and they are not a danger to the community.

The sponsor

First, choose a sponsor with lawful status and a stable address, ideally in New York. The sponsor signs a declaration promising to house the person and help them attend court. Moreover, include the sponsor's ID, proof of status, lease or mortgage, and proof of income.

Ties and character

Next, gather evidence of roots in the community. For example, include birth certificates of U.S. citizen children, a marriage certificate, tax returns, pay stubs and letters from employers. In addition, letters from pastors, teachers and neighbors help. Each letter should be signed, dated and include the writer's contact details.

Criminal records

If there is any arrest or conviction, include certified court dispositions. Furthermore, add proof that fines were paid, classes were completed and probation ended. Judges notice missing records, so address them directly.

Cross-state transfers

If your loved one was moved to New Jersey or another state, the bond hearing will usually be held at the court with jurisdiction there. Therefore, include evidence of the New York address where they will live after release.

Our Immigration Bond Hearing service assembles all of this into a motion, declarations and an indexed evidence packet, starting at $399.

Paying the bond and release

Once bond is set, the obligor pays it to ICE, usually online or at an ICE office. The obligor must keep their address updated.

Releases from New Jersey or Batavia can happen at short notice. Consequently, arrange transport in advance. Our ICE Bond Posting service explains the steps. If bond is not available, our parole request service presents humanitarian factors.

After release in New York

The removal case continues. Therefore, update addresses with the court and ICE, and attend every hearing. If the case was transferred out of state, a change of venue may move it back to New York.

Next, plan the defense. Read our guide to deportation defense, or see our national guide to ICE bond and detention release.

Our ICE Detention & Bond services in New York

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in New York. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in New York

A complete bond packet for the Immigration Judge showing your loved one is not a danger or a flight risk, so they can be released while the case continues.

It includes motion for bond redetermination, eligibility check (mandatory detention, INA 236(c)), sponsor declaration and proof of status. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) — from $399 See what's included →

ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in New York

Help the obligor post a delivery bond with ICE, understand the conditions, and later get the bond money refunded when the case ends.

It includes obligor eligibility and ID checklist, i-352 bond contract guidance, bond conditions explained. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) — from $79 See what's included →

Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in New York

A written request to ICE for release on parole, recognizance or Alternatives to Detention (ATD), especially on medical, family or humanitarian grounds.

It includes parole / release request letter, medical and humanitarian evidence index, sponsor and address details. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request — from $299 See what's included →

ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack in New York

For families of someone just picked up by ICE: find them, get their A-number and deportation officer, set up contact and prepare the first urgent documents.

It includes locating the detainee (ICE Online Detainee Locator, field office), a-number, facility and deportation officer contacts, g-28 / authorization and consent forms. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack — from $99 See what's included →

Immigration bond consultation in New York

A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about getting a detained family member released on an immigration bond. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

It includes 60-minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order Immigration bond consultation — $499 See what's included →

ICE detention case review in New York

A licensed US attorney reviews your loved one's ICE detention case — the charges, detention basis, bond eligibility and fastest route to release and explains what it means for you, the risks and red flags, and what to do or negotiate next — in plain English.

It includes line-by-line review by a licensed US attorney, plain-English summary of key terms, risks and red flags, suggested changes, questions or negotiation points. Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.

Order ICE detention case review — $499 See what's included →

Emergency immigration consultation in New York

A confidential 60-minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an urgent immigration emergency. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.

Order Emergency immigration consultation — $499 See what's included →

ICE Detention & Bond across New York — cities we serve

We work with clients in every part of New York, entirely online. Therefore, it does not matter whether you live downtown or hours from the nearest courthouse. Your documents follow New York law and your county's local practice. Choose your city below to see local details and prices.

More New York services

ICE Bond Posting & Bond Refund (I-352 / I-391) in New York · Release from ICE Custody — Parole / Humanitarian Request in New York · ICE Detention Help — Family Emergency Pack in New York · Immigration bond consultation in New York · ICE detention case review in New York · Emergency immigration consultation in New York. See all legal services in New York.

Nearby states

Moving between states, or is the other party elsewhere? We also cover Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in New Jersey, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Connecticut, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Pennsylvania, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Massachusetts, Immigration Bond Hearing Packet (Custody Redetermination) in Vermont. See every location we cover.

Frequently asked questions

Where does ICE take people arrested in New York City?

Often first to 26 Federal Plaza, then frequently to facilities in New Jersey, the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility in Batavia or other states.

Can ICE arrest people at New York courthouses?

New York's Protect Our Courts Act restricts civil immigration arrests at state courts without a judicial warrant, but it does not cover federal immigration courts.

What did the Second Circuit decide in Velasco Lopez v. Decker?

That after prolonged detention, due process can require the government to justify continued detention by clear and convincing evidence at a bond hearing.

How do I find someone moved from New York to New Jersey?

Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator and contact the ERO field office. Transfers can take time to appear, so keep checking.

Do you help with New York detention cases?

Yes. We prepare bond packets, parole requests and case reviews for New York cases, including people transferred out of state.

Contact American Counsel

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Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.