August 19, 2025
How Long Does It Take ICE to Deport Someone in Michigan?
The timeline for deportation through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can vary widely, especially in our current volatile political environment. Normally, deporting someone could take months or even years. Today, it can be a much faster process – and without experienced legal counsel, you may not get a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
What Starts the Deportation Process?
Generally, deportation begins when ICE identifies someone it believes is removable under federal immigration law. This might happen after a traffic stop, an arrest, or a workplace raid. In some cases, ICE already has a removal order and can act on it once the organization locates the person.
When ICE takes someone into custody, it can transfer them to a detention center. ICE typically files a Notice to Appear (NTA), which starts removal proceedings in immigration court.
Is There a Set Timeline?
There’s no fixed schedule for how long a deportation takes. Some people are deported within days or weeks, especially if they have a prior removal order or agree to voluntary departure. Previously, immigrants could spend months or even years in legal proceedings. This was especially common if they pursued defenses like asylum.
For example, if someone is detained and doesn’t fight their removal, ICE may process and deport them quickly – often within days. On the other hand, if they are able to challenge the removal in immigration court, the process can take much longer.
What Happens During Immigration Court Proceedings?
If you receive a Notice to Appear, you have a right to a hearing before an immigration judge. At the first hearing, the judge reviews the charges and asks whether you want time to find a lawyer or file for relief from removal.
If you seek relief, the judge will set a date for a merits hearing. This is your opportunity to present your case. This can take months to schedule, due to the backlog in the immigration court system.
What Happens If You Are in ICE Custody?
If ICE holds you in custody, the process can move quickly. Once the immigration judge orders removal, ICE has 90 days to carry it out. However, deportation can still be delayed if your home country refuses to accept you, or if ICE cannot obtain travel documents.
Some detained people may also request bond or parole to be released while they wait for their court date. If you are granted bond, the timeline may stretch even further, depending on the court’s schedule and the complexity of your case.
Are There Ways to Delay or Stop Deportation?
You may be able to apply for relief from removal. Common options include:
- Asylum, if you may be subject to persecution in your home country
- Cancellation of removal, if you’ve lived in the U.S. for many years and meet certain conditions
- Adjustment of status, if you are eligible to apply for a green card through a family member
- Deferred action or other humanitarian protections
These applications require significant evidence and court filings. Seeking relief could extend the process by months or years. Because ICE is currently taking a different approach to deportations, your best option is to consult an immigration lawyer as soon as possible and find out how they can help.
What Happens After a Final Order of Removal?
If an immigration judge issues a final removal order and you don’t appeal, ICE can proceed with deportation. Normally, if you instead file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the deportation is put on hold until the BIA issues a decision. This can add several more months to the process.
After the appeal process ends, ICE usually tries to deport the person within 90 days. If ICE cannot do so within that time, it may still keep them in custody, especially if the person is considered a flight risk or a danger to public safety.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Immigration Attorney Today
The deportation process in Michigan varies widely. If someone you know has been taken by ICE or you are facing deportation, contact Stacer, PLC right away.