As per a recent Newsweek article, there have been numerous reports of undocumented immigrants receiving text messages from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The purpose of these texts allegedly is to compel the immigrants to cooperate with deportation proceedings, even though they have not yet met with an agent. To make matters worse, these text messages are overlapping with text messages and other communications from scammers posing as ICE agents. As a result, it can be difficult to discern which messages are from actual ICE agents and which are from others who want to scam immigrants out of money by pretending to be ICE agents. Immigration advocates fear that these messages, which often can be threatening and intimidating, may cause vulnerable immigrants to turn themselves over to ICE and make admissions that may damage any defenses they have against deportation. ICE has refused to divulge whether it is now using informal text messages to contact immigrants and persuade them to turn themselves into ICE for deportation proceedings. Furthermore, if an individual wants to verify the identity of someone claiming to be an ICE agent, he or she should call the local Enforcement and Removal Operations field office. If an individual suspects a scam, he or she also can call the tip-line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE. Immigration advocates, on the other hand, are advising immigrants to call a lawyer first for help. The fear is that ICE is using unexpected text messages to circumvent the legal process and detain immigrants who do not know their rights. Regardless of your situation, there are still thousands of immigrants who are facing deportation proceedings every day. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., knows federal immigration law and has the experience to guide you and advocate on your behalf throughout any type of deportation proceeding, no matter what the allegations may be. We are familiar with the wide range of defenses that are available to individuals facing deportation, and how to build the strongest defense that is available to you, based on the evidence relevant to your case. Contact your California deportation defense lawyers today, and discover what we can do for you.
