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Keep families together, prevent a neighbor's deportation, and protect people seeking safety.

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.

Experienced National Immigrant Justice Center staff are available to speak with individuals detained in Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Indiana regarding their cases, and screen these individuals for representation. NIJC staff and volunteers also conduct presentations and individual screenings at detention centers within these four states. During these visits, detained individuals may meet one-on-one with NIJC staff members and volunteers and may obtain legal representation for their immigration case.

Who We Can Help

Individuals in ICE or criminal custody in Illinois, 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.