If ICE has detained you or someone in your family, a federal court may be able to review whether the detention is lawful. The Law Office of Jonathan Langer, PLLC handles immigration habeas corpus petitions, including urgent cases where ICE may transfer someone to another state.
What is immigration habeas corpus?
A habeas corpus petition asks a federal judge to examine the government's legal authority to hold a person in custody. Depending on the case, a judge may order release, require a bond hearing, or provide another remedy. A habeas petition is different from an appeal of a deportation order; federal courts have important limits on what they can review.
Not every ICE detention can be challenged successfully. The available arguments depend on the person's immigration history, the reason ICE is holding them, and the law in the court hearing the case.
Cases our office handles
Our federal detention work includes questions about whether ICE is applying the right detention law, whether a person is entitled to a bond hearing, lengthy detention, and detention after someone was previously released. We also evaluate detention following a final removal order and cases involving individuals whose immigration applications or proceedings are still pending.
We represent people detained in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other locations where we can appropriately appear in federal court. We also work with immigration attorneys who need federal habeas litigation counsel for their clients.
Why acting quickly matters
ICE can move someone from a local detention facility to another state. That may change which federal court can hear a newly filed habeas petition. In a suitable case, counsel can prepare a petition promptly and ask for emergency court relief to prevent a transfer.
Our office is familiar with time-sensitive detention litigation and prepares urgent filings when supported by the facts and law. We cannot guarantee release or prevent every transfer, but early review can preserve options that might otherwise be lost.
If someone has been detained by ICE, contact our office promptly to discuss whether a federal habeas petition may be available.
Related reading: Why filing before an ICE transfer matters and Can habeas be filed after an ICE arrest?.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Each case depends on its facts and applicable law. No outcome is guaranteed.
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