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Ice on Immigration: Follow up on the Laurel, MS raid

By L. Patricia Ice, Featured Columnist

Question:  I am an immigrant who was arrested in Laurel in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) worksite enforcement raid on Howard Industries on August 25, 2008.  I was released form the plant that day with an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet device that I am still wearing.  In September, an ICE agent gave me a notice to come the first Tuesday of every month to the ICE New Orleans, LA office.  I would like to know the purpose of that monthly appearance and how long I will have to go.

Answer:  The purpose of that monthly appearance is just to make sure you are still in the area and to update your address.  Each time you go you will talk to an agent, sign in and leave.  You will have to keep that monthly appointment until an ICE agent tells you you no longer need to come.  When you go to the first appointment you can ask the agent if you can call in the future instead of showing up in person.  Eventually, you will have to make immigration court appearances in New Orleans and may not have to contact the ICE office any more.  I suggest that you keep your monthly appointments until directed by an ICE agent not to do so.