A practical safety plan for undocumented individuals who want a trusted immigration lawyer ready if an ICE immigration raid, traffic stop, or police contact leads to detention.
What You Need to Know
Who is at risk: Who may face a higher risk of immigration detention
What you need to know: Key information for individuals concerned about detention
Who qualifies: Eligibility factors for individuals at higher risk
How we prepare your defense: How our legal team protects you and builds your strategy
Choosing the right team: Why having the right team matters
Get Your Detention Preparation Plan
Detention preparation is a legal safety plan created before any arrest or immigration hold. Instead of waiting to see what happens when ICE arrests you, you and your family work with an attorney now to decide what you want to happen if you are taken into custody.
Preparing for ICE detention does not mean you expect to be arrested. It means you love your family enough to make sure they are protected if the worst happens.
Preparation Gives You Power
Immigration detention often happens unexpectedly. Having a clear plan in place gives you confidence, reduces fear, and helps protect your family.
When you understand your rights and know who to call, you can respond faster and with far better outcomes.
Who is at Risk of Immigration Detention?
Not everyone faces the same risk of immigration detention. Our team often works with people who:
Are undocumented or overstayed a visa.
Have DACA, TPS, or other temporary protection.
Have prior deportation, voluntary departure, or removal orders.
Missed an immigration court hearing in the past.
Were stopped by police and worry that ICE could get involved.
Immigration detention can happen suddenly, sometimes after a situation that feels routine. For some people, the risk may increase after:
An ICE immigration raid at work or in your neighborhood.
A traffic stop involving an ICE police car or other enforcement vehicles.
A visit from officers driving ICE immigration trucks to your home or job site.
If any of this sounds close to your situation, detention preparation can help you protect your family, organize important documents, and understand your legal options before an emergency happens.
At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we believe preparation can give families clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of control.
“I especially appreciated the communication—if they said they would call, they did. I felt confident that my family member's case truly mattered. Their compassion, professionalism, and genuine concern gave me peace of mind.”
- Nidia F.
A Weight Was Lifted
“The entire process was easy. Every question I had was answered, and I ended up deciding to move my case from a different firm to here. I instantly felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders, and I left with a gift! 10/10 experience.”
- Hadeel E.
Empathy and Peace of Mind
“From day one, they gave us confidence, empathy, and peace of mind. Their professionalism and genuine care truly stand out. Thank you for all your support and for always being willing to help.”
- Paulina O.
I Felt Completely at Ease
“From my very first conversation, I felt completely at ease and confident in their abilities. They truly seem like a strong and capable legal team. I feel much more comfortable knowing they're on our side.”
- Former Client
Respect, Warmth, and Excellence
“I left truly touched by the kindness, professionalism, and genuine care shown by everyone in the office. Ybarra Maldonado Law Group is truly a rare jewel in our community. Every single interaction made us feel valued and cared for.”
- Arleth G.
Extremely Helpful
“Salvador was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and made us feel at ease despite turbulent immigration policy changes. He was very detailed and answered all of our questions and concerns that we had.”
- Former Client
Very Diligent and Patient
“Alberto was very helpful; he was very diligent and patient with us. He answered all our questions and fit us in his schedule efficiently and he was very friendly and professional!”
- Former Client
They Kept Me Informed
“They kept me informed and made sure I understood every step of the legal process. Their professionalism, prompt communication, and dedication gave me confidence during a stressful time.”
- Syd O.
They Took the Time
“I had a fantastic experience working with Alberto! He was incredibly helpful and took the time to make sure everything was set up perfectly. He showed so much patience and kindness throughout the entire process.”
- Hayyan A.
Justice Without Barriers
We stand alongside people who have been targeted, mistreated, or denied access to the legal system, providing compassionate representation when it matters most.
Rooted in the Community
We come from the communities we serve, giving us a deeper understanding of the challenges our clients face and the fight it takes to protect their rights.
Every Team Member is Bilingual
Our 100% bilingual team makes it easier for clients to be heard, understood, and represented with confidence in both English and Spanish.
Advocates in and Out of Court
We combine proven legal experience with a history of civil rights advocacy, fighting for our clients wherever justice demands it.
Know Your ICE Detention Rights
When you prepare in advance, you can use your rights instead of panicking in the moment. As part of your detention preparation plan, we explain in plain language:
Your right to remain silent and not sign anything without talking to a lawyer.
When ICE needs a warrant and when they do not.
What to do if ICE comes to your door, your job, or stops your car.
Common questions we answer include:
Does ICE need a warrant to come into my house?
Can ICE come to your house or job without an ICE warrant?
What happens when ICE arrests you during a traffic stop or raid?
Can you ask to speak to your lawyer even if you do not have papers?
We also provide a free “know your rights card” – sometimes called the immigration red card or ICE red card. This immigrant rights card, available in English and Spanish, explains your basic ICE detention rights and can be handed to officers if you are too nervous to speak. Many people know it as the tarjeta roja immigration card.
Who Qualifies?
How Our Detention Preparation Program Works:
Our goal is to make sure that if you are detained by ICE, your lawyer already has what they need to fight for you from the very first day.
During your consultation we will:
Gather information about your immigration history, family ties, and any past contact with immigration or criminal courts.
Check for possible relief from removal, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, waivers, or family-based options.
3. Review risks connected to deportation rules, unlawful presence bar problems, and prior orders.
4. Create a personalized detention preparation plan that includes:
A list of emergency contacts who know which attorney to call.
Copies of important documents stored safely with our office.
A strategy for bond hearings and quick legal action if you are placed in an immigration detention center.
This is pre-file immigration representation: we start building your defense before the government ever files a case against you.
Prepare Your Defense
Support for Your Family if You Are Detained
Detention does not affect only the person in custody. It can turn a family’s life upside down. As part of preparing for ICE detention, we help your loved ones:
Understand how to locate you if you are transferred between detention centers.
Know what information they will need to give when they call our office or the immigration court.
Get ready for possible bond hearings or document requests.
Protect children, property, and employment while your case is pending.
When your family already has a detention preparation plan, they do not have to search the internet for answers in the middle of a crisis.
Choosing The Right Team
Immigration detention moves quickly. Having the right legal team in place before a crisis can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
At Ybarra Maldonado Law Group, we:
Focus on immigration defense for undocumented and mixed-status families.
Are fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
Understand the fear that comes with ICE raids, police stops, and letters from immigration court.
Treat every client with respect, dignity, and honesty.
You deserve a lawyer who truly understands how to prepare for ICE detention and who will stand beside you and your family every step of the way.
Be Ready Before a Detention Happens
If you worry about what could happen in an ICE immigration raid, at your job, or on the way to work, you are not alone. You do not need to wait until someone is in an immigration detention center to ask for help.
Contact Ybarra Maldonado Law Group today to talk about detention preparation and pre-file immigration representation. We will review your situation, explain your options, and help you build a plan that protects you and the people you love.
