Automatic Notifications from ICE Aim to Streamline Attorney Case Management
Effective May 1, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is implementing a new policy aimed at improving communication with legal representatives. This change involves an automated notification system.
This new process is designed to address a long-standing challenge for immigration attorneys. They often face significant obstacles in tracking their clients as they are moved between detention centers. Such transfers can disrupt legal representation and cause delays in cases. Furthermore, these transfers create immense stress for both the detainees and their legal teams. By providing these automatic alerts, ICE is attempting to streamline communication. They aim to reduce some of the uncertainty associated with the detention system.
The notifications will be delivered through the ERO File system, a platform used by legal representatives for electronic filings and scheduling. Each alert will include the location of the new facility, providing a clear and immediate update. This is a crucial detail, as a client’s location can directly impact court jurisdiction. Additionally, it affects the ability of an attorney to provide in-person counsel.
However, the policy has its limitations. The automated alerts will only be triggered by transfers between ICE-contracted facilities that hold individuals for more than 72 hours. This means that transfers to short-term holding or processing centers, as well as final removals, will not generate a notification. This is an important distinction for legal professionals to note. They will still need to use other methods to track clients in these specific situations. The policy is a step towards greater transparency, but it does not solve all of the communication challenges within the immigration detention system. It primarily serves as a tool to aid in continuity of legal representation for a subset of detained individuals.
