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Detansyon ak Kosyon

Yon moun ou renmen ICE te pran li. Ou pa konnen ki kote li ye oswa ki jan pou fè li soti. Nou jwenn li, nou vizite li, e nou goumen pou mennen li lakay pandan ka li avanse.

(212) 219-3244

Family Member Detained?

If a loved one has been taken into ICE custody, time is critical. We can help locate them, assess their case, and fight for their release.

We visit detention facilities regularly
We help families understand the process
Bond hearings scheduled quickly

How We Get People Out

ICE wants to hold them. We want them home. Here's every tool we use to make that happen.

Bond Hearings

Your loved one shouldn't have to sit in a cell while their case drags on. We fight to get them out on bond—showing the judge they'll show up for court and they're not dangerous. We've brought people home.

  • Build the strongest case for release
  • Letters from family, employers, community
  • Prove they're not a flight risk
  • Argue in front of the judge

Habeas Corpus Petitions

Bond denied? No bond available because of 'mandatory detention'? We take it to federal court. We've gotten people released who ICE wanted to hold forever. Sometimes the only answer is a federal judge telling them to let go.

  • Federal court when immigration court fails
  • Challenge illegal detention
  • Constitutional rights arguments
  • Emergency motions when it can't wait

Custody Redetermination

Things change. New evidence shows up. The first hearing didn't go well. We can ask for another shot at bond. Sometimes you just need a second chance with better preparation.

  • Changed circumstances arguments
  • New evidence presentation
  • Re-argue flight risk
  • Better documentation this time

ICE Check-In Representation

ICE check-ins are terrifying. You walk in not knowing if you'll walk out. We go with you. If they try to take you, we're already there fighting. Don't go alone.

  • We come with you to the appointment
  • Prepare you for their questions
  • Push back against detention
  • If they take you, we're already on it

What the Judge Wants to Know

Bond comes down to two questions. We prepare evidence that answers both.

Will They Show Up?

The judge wants to know: if we let them out, will they come back for court dates? We prove they have too much to lose by running—family, job, home, community.

Favorable Factors

Years living in the same community
Steady job they need to keep
Spouse/kids who are U.S. citizens or residents
Home ownership or long-term lease
History of appearing for past hearings

Are They Dangerous?

Criminal history gets scrutinized. But context matters—how long ago, how serious, what's happened since. We tell the full story, not just the charges.

Favorable Factors

No criminal history, or only minor old offenses
Evidence of rehabilitation
Letters saying they're a good person
Stable job and lifestyle now
Years since any trouble

When Immigration Court Isn't Enough

The immigration judge says no bond. Or there's no bond hearing available under INA § 236(c) "mandatory detention." ICE wants to hold them indefinitely. That's when we go to federal court and file a habeas corpus petition under 28 U.S.C. § 2241, asking a federal judge to overrule it.

The Supreme Court in Zadvydas v. Davis, 533 U.S. 678 (2001), held that indefinite detention raises serious constitutional concerns. We've used this precedent to get people released who'd been locked up for months, even years. The Fifth Amendment's Due Process Clause still applies in immigration detention. Sometimes we have to remind the government of that.

Challenge mandatory detention statutes
Argue unreasonable length of detention
Constitutional due process claims
Emergency expedited review when warranted

Featured in Media

"U.S. Agrees to Free Stowaway"

Joshua Bardavid secured release of a long-term immigration detainee through habeas litigation.

— New York Times

"Close Call for Haitian Caught in Web"

Bardavid negotiated client's release by filing habeas corpus, securing freedom before planned deportation.

— New York Times

Where We Go

We visit detention facilities regularly. If your loved one is held at one of these places—or anywhere else—we can help.

Bergen County Jail (NJ)Hudson County Correctional Facility (NJ)Essex County Correctional Facility (NJ)Orange County Correctional Facility (NY)Buffalo Federal Detention Facility (NY)Other facilities nationwide

They Took Someone You Love

You're scared. You're angry. You don't know what to do. Call us. We'll find out where they are, what's happening, and start fighting to bring them home.

Call (212) 219-3244