The Detention Project provides legal orientation and representation to immigrant adults who are held by the Department of Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement in immigration detention in facilities across the Midwest.
Experienced National Immigrant Justice Center staff are available to speak with individuals detained in Wisconsin, Kentucky and Indiana regarding their cases, and screen these individuals for representation. Priority for representation is given to residents of Illinois with cases in the Chicago Detained Court, but exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis and depending on capacity.
NIJC is also a participating member of the Midwest Immigrant Defenders Alliance (MIDA), and makes and receives referrals from other MIDA organizations for detention representation and petitions for habeas.
Who We Can Help
Individuals in ICE custody in Wisconsin, Kentucky and Indiana, as well as their family members and friends may contact NIJC for a legal screening and possible representation. NIJC represents detained individuals, regardless of their background, in their applications before the Immigration Court, Board of Immigration Appeals, USCIS, and ICE. Our clients include individuals who have been found not competent by the Immigration Court. NIJC also represents and refers individuals for representation in bond hearings and requests for release to ICE.
Contact Information
If you are being held in an ICE detention center:
Call NIJC collect at (312) 583-9721 or use the pro bono platform and NIJC’s 3-digit code, 565.
If your loved one has been detained by ICE or CBP:
Illinois residents: Call the ICIRR Family Support Network at (855) 435-7693.
Indiana residents: Call the NIJC Detention Project at (773) 672-6599. This hotline is open every other Tuesday between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Current scheduled NIJC Detention Project hotline dates:
September 8
September 22
October 6
October 20