More than likely, you’ve already calculated your own local statistics. Here, in the Houston area, the issue of undocumented immigrants seems different than other areas of the country. Could it be that deportations are down, but arrests are up? What does this mean exactly?
In a bit of mixed news for the undocumented immigrant community, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a report on Tuesday illustrating fewer deportations but higher rates of arrest and detention for those in the country illegally in 2017. For many, this will mean obtaining an immigration bond to at least obtain release until a hearing date.
When it comes down to it, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removed approximately 226,000 people from the country in the 2017 fiscal year. Meanwhile, the fiscal year is different than the calendar year, as the numbers were calculated as of September 30th. For the record, this represents a six percent decrease from the previous year.
Truth be told, 2017 deportations were lower than at any time during the Obama administration, according to previous DHS statistics. These numbers are, in a way, adverse to the anti-immigrant sentiment that’s been sweeping the country this past year. Notwithstanding, an arrest means that you still have to worry how you will pay for an immigration bond.
What’s Behind the Disparity?
In all candor, it’s easy to surmise what’s behind the spike in arrests of undocumented immigrants. Efforts to crack down on illegal immigration have increased considerably since the election of the current president. Meanwhile, more and more cities are forced to comply with federal orders to assess immigration status during arrests for non-related crimes.
It’s worth noting that between January and September of this year, approximately 8,000 people were arrested in what are known as collateral arrests (people who were not the original focus of ICE investigations.) Consequently, this suggests that federal authorities are casting a wider net during their investigations and arresting more and more people in the process.
Unfortunately, there’s a chance that you or your family could get caught up in these new crackdowns. While you may not truly be a candidate for deportation, you’ll want to make sure you have a means out of the detention center. Once you’ve had an immigration bond hearing, you’ll want to find the appropriate resources.
What Higher Immigration Arrests Means
Higher rates of arrest and lower rates of deportation denote two things. On the one hand, the federal government is getting more and more serious about identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. On the other, arrest does not necessarily mean deportation. The reality is that there are avenues to avoid removal from the country. Although it may seem as though the cultural winds have shifted to hostility toward the undocumented community, there are more and more support structures in place for those worried about arrest and subsequent deportation. It’s important to educate yourself about the resources in your community and the options that are available to you.
When You Find Yourself in a Detention Center
Part of forming a game plan to prevent arrest and subsequent deportation is to make sure that you and your loved one have the financial resources to stay out of jail. If you or your loved one are facing possible confinement and removal proceedings in Houston, Texas, contact Freedom Federal Bonding Agency today. We offer convenient, affordable and flexible immigration bonds of those in need.