What to Do If a Loved One Is Detained: Tips from Our Deportation Defense Organizer
Be Prepared and Stay Protected — April 8, 2025
On Wednesday, April 2, TRP Immigrant Justice hosted another informational livestream as part of our ongoing immigration update series, bi-weekly on Wednesdays at 4pm CST. During this session, our team’s Deportation Defense Organizer Tenoch Rodriguez shared valuable information about the free legal support services we provide—especially for individuals facing deportation or detention. Watch the video and read the summary below of what was covered, including crucial steps families should take to protect themselves if a loved one is detained, and how our community can rally together in support.
TRP Immigration Update host Laura Mendoza is joined by Tenoch Rodriguez, Deportation Defense Organizer, TRP Immigrant Justice, to discuss what to do if you or a loved one is detained.
Immediate Steps to Take If Someone Is Detained in Illinois
While we know that the experience of having a loved one detained is emotional and frightening, there are specific actions family members can take right away to prepare for what’s next:
Document Everything: Note how many ICE officers were present, whether a warrant was shown, and if there is any video or photo evidence of the encounter.
Gather Key Information: Collect the detained individual’s full name, date of birth, A-number (if available), and the date of arrest.
Once you have this information, visit our Legal Assistance page and fill out the Illinois Detained Loved One Form, available in both English and Spanish. After submission, you can expect to hear from our team—usually within 48 hours.
What Happens Next?
After completing the form:
Tenoch or another team member will contact you to conduct a 30-minute intake and gather further details.
Your case will then be referred to one of our in-house immigration attorneys, who specializes in detention cases.
If we’re unable to take your case, we’ll connect you with another trusted legal service provider from our network.
Importantly, all of our legal services are provided free of charge, funded through grants.
Considering Private Attorneys?
If families prefer or need to seek private legal counsel, here are a few tips:
Verify Credentials: Ensure the attorney is licensed or a DOJ accredited representative and in good standing. Avoid scams by confirming their status with the appropriate bar association.
Ask the Right Questions: Understand their experience with immigration law, especially detention cases, and ask about fees, contracts, and whether they offer payment plans.
Keep Your Originals: Always retain original documents and only provide copies to the attorney.
The Power of Community Support
Beyond legal help, community support can be a powerful force in deportation defense. Here’s how organizing efforts can make a real impact:
Public Pressure: Petitions, media coverage, and social media campaigns help apply pressure on ICE and DHS officials.
Elected Official Engagement: Letters of support from faith leaders and elected officials demonstrate community ties and strong moral support.
ICE Check-In Support: Accompanying individuals to check-ins shows that they are not alone and can influence how their cases are handled.
Fundraising: Donations can help families cover not only legal fees (when applicable) but also essentials like rent and food—especially when the detained person is the primary provider.
In the case of TRP client José Gregorio González, community organizing, public pressure, and elected official support was incredibly effective in advocating for—and winning—his release from ICE detention so he can donate a kidney to save his brother Alfredo’s life. This case is a clear example of how combining legal and community-based strategies can bring hope and impact.
To watch the full livestream and stay informed about our upcoming sessions, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or visit our website following the Immigration Update every other Wednesday at 4pm CST for a detailed recap.
Tune in next Wednesday, April 16 for our livestream on Immigrant Registration.
If you or someone you know needs support after being detained in Illinois, don’t wait. Fill out our Detained Loved One Form to get help.
