How long can ICE hold you before deportation?
James Williams
Updated on April 20, 2026
Federal law says that state and local law enforcement authorities may only hold persons on immigration detainers for 48 hours after the completion of their jail time. This means that once you have completed your jail time, the immigration officials must take you into custody within two days.
How long can you be held by ICE?
An immigration detainer is a request by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for the local law enforcement agency to hold an arrested immigrant who is suspected of violating immigration laws for a period of 48 hours after the time the person would otherwise be released.Does ICE hold mean deportation?
An “ICE Hold” doesn't mean that the person will be deported, and it doesn't mean the person will be taken into custody. It is simply an opportunity for ICE to take a look a closer look and make a decision about whether deportation proceedings will start or not.How long can you be held in immigration detention?
A hold will be placed until the immigrant is transferred into ICE custody. While in detention, a formal removal proceeding will usually be initiated by the US government. The timeline can vary but usually a case is filed (aka started) after 2 weeks. Sometimes it can be several weeks or even up to 90 days.What happens when ICE puts a hold on you?
The hold lasts for 48 hours, during which time ICE is supposed to pick the person up. (If it doesn't, then technically you can argue for release, but doing so usually triggers ICE picking the person up anyway.) ICE commonly checks on who the police have put in jail and whether they are in valid immigration status.ICE Immigration Detention: What You Should Know
Can an ICE hold be removed?
Removing an Immigration HoldGetting the hold removed is difficult, but not impossible. In some instances, inmates may be released despite an immigration detainer. When local law enforcement receives an immigration hold, it must notify ICE before releasing an inmate.