Lawyer warns about the consequences of missing your appointment with ICE

Recently, there has been growing concern among the Cuban community in the United States following the detention of several Cubans who attended their scheduled appointments with ICE. So far, there have been documented cases of five Cuban women who, despite having no criminal record and pending asylum applications, were detained. This situation has led some on social media to advise others not to show up for their ICE appointments to avoid arrest. However, this advice could have extremely negative consequences for their cases.

It's vital to understand that even if ICE detains a person, their asylum claim remains valid. Any improper action, such as missing an appointment, can seriously harm their defense in court. In a recent conversation with attorney Claudio Cañizares, these concerns were addressed, and the implications of missing an appointment with ICE were presented.

Consequences of Not Attending the Appointment

Attorney Cañizares emphasized that intentionally missing an appointment with ICE can make a person a "fly risk," meaning someone who could evade immigration processing. If the person doesn't show up for the appointment, ICE is likely to take additional measures, such as searching for the person at their home or workplace, thus increasing the risk of detention.

Furthermore, at trial, the prosecution will argue that the person failed to appear for their court date, which could negatively impact their chances of obtaining bail. If there is no justification for the absence, the judge will likely consider the person a flight risk, further complicating their legal situation.

The Importance of Introducing Yourself

Although there is a possibility of being detained when attending an ICE appointment, it is crucial to show up. Most people who attend their appointments are not detained. Each case is unique, and failure to appear could result in the denial of the case, a deportation order, and the loss of the opportunity to remain in the United States.

The attorney also mentioned that if someone is detained, there are remedies available, such as requesting bail from a judge, especially if the person has no criminal record and has regularly attended their appointments. While released, the person can work and support themselves, which is not the case if they are in a detention center.

Final Recommendations

It is essential that those who have appointments with ICE consult with an attorney before attending. Attorney Cañizares advises explaining the situation and finding an appropriate strategy. If you are able to pay for legal assistance, it is recommended that you do so, as having legal support can be crucial in this process.

In short, the warning is clear: not missing appointments with ICE is essential to avoid additional complications that could negatively affect individuals' immigration futures. The Cuban community must be informed and act cautiously when facing these legal situations.