ICE Check-Ins Become Traps as Immigrants Face Detention, Attorneys Suggest Compliance

Many immigrants have been detained during routine check-ins with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to an immigration attorney familiar with the cases. This attorney, who advises immigrants on legal matters, warned that ICE check-ins are increasingly resulting in unexpected detentions, urging individuals to be fully prepared before attending their appointments.

“We have received reports that at least six Nepali immigrants have been detained in various locations, including New York and Texas. Some of them, who did not have a Notice to Appear (NTA), were detained. Others were individuals who had been released during the pandemic due to detention capacity issues,” said a New York-based immigration attorney familiar with the cases.

The detained Nepali immigrants were reportedly complying with ICE’s supervision requirements when they were taken into custody. While details about their specific cases remain unclear, attorneys suggest that similar incidents have been occurring across different immigrant communities.

“Many individuals assume that these check-ins are just a routine procedure, but in recent weeks, we have observed an alarming trend of detentions,” an attorney stated. They emphasized the importance of consulting an attorney before attending any scheduled ICE check-ins to assess the risks and explore legal protections.

Community advocates and legal representatives are urging affected individuals to be aware of their rights and seek assistance if they fear detention.

New York-based immigration attorney Bashu Phulara said, “I’ve heard concerns that ICE may have detained Nepali immigrants during routine check-ins, including reports that some individuals without a Notice to Appear (NTA) were taken into custody. While I don’t have verified details on individual cases, this underscores the need for individuals to be informed and prepared.”

Phulara advised those affected to seek immediate legal counsel to understand their options, such as bond hearings or potential forms of relief. “Regarding ICE check-ins, individuals should generally continue attending, as compliance is an important part of the immigration process. However, given the current situation, consulting an immigration attorney beforehand can help assess risks and ensure proper preparation,” he added.

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Another New York-based immigration attorney, Ramesh Shrestha, noted, “Those recently detained might have been on supervised release under an expedited removal order, but this does not apply to recently paroled newcomers who sought asylum at the border.”

Manmohan Singh Ghimire, CEO of Queens-based consulting firm Lumbini Worldwide Inc., shared concerns about the emotional toll on affected families. “People are hopeless, afraid, and confused. Some individuals who were detained and released on parole were given an ICE check-in date. They were initially released but then detained again and transferred to another location before they could take any action or hire legal experts. Their relatives are in confusion, and their freedom was short-lived,” he said.