

ICE detention and deportation proceedings place Denver immigrants in some of the most stressful and time-sensitive situations imaginable. When someone is taken into ICE custody, the risk of removal from the United States becomes immediate, and families are often left unsure of where their loved one is being held or what steps to take next. For many individuals, detention marks the beginning of a fast-moving legal process that can determine whether they are allowed to remain in the country or permanently separated from their family.
Denver residents may be detained by ICE for a wide range of reasons, including prior immigration violations, alleged overstays, or criminal charges that trigger immigration enforcement. In many cases, individuals are transferred to detention facilities outside of Denver, including the Aurora ICE Processing Center, where their immigration case proceeds on an accelerated timeline. These cases allow little room for error and require prompt legal action.
Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez represents detained immigrants and their families throughout the Denver area. The firm focuses on protecting detainees’ rights, seeking release when possible, and building strong removal defense strategies. With experienced legal guidance, individuals facing ICE detention can better understand their options and take informed steps to protect their future.
ICE enforcement in the Denver area can occur in a variety of ways, often without advance notice. Individuals may be taken into custody following an arrest by local law enforcement, through targeted ICE operations, or after appearing for immigration-related appointments. Even Denver residents with long-standing ties to the community may suddenly find themselves detained and facing removal proceedings.
Once ICE takes someone into custody in Denver, detainees are frequently transferred to the Aurora ICE Processing Center. This facility serves as a central detention location for individuals arrested throughout Colorado and neighboring states. Transfers can happen quickly, making it difficult for families to locate detainees or understand what stage their case is in.
Detention dramatically changes how an immigration case proceeds. Court schedules are faster, access to documents is limited, and detainees must navigate legal proceedings while in custody. Without legal representation, individuals may unknowingly waive rights or miss opportunities for relief.
Common issues related to ICE detention in Denver include:
Understanding how ICE detention works in Denver is critical to protecting a detainee’s rights. Early legal involvement can help stabilize the situation and preserve available defenses.
After an individual is detained by ICE, several critical steps occur that directly affect the outcome of their case. Detainees are processed into ICE custody, where their immigration history, criminal background, and prior court records are reviewed. ICE then determines whether the individual will remain detained while their case proceeds or whether they may seek release through a bond hearing.
For Denver detainees, immigration court jurisdiction is typically tied to the location of the detention facility rather than where the arrest occurred. This means court hearings may be scheduled quickly and held remotely or in detention-based courtrooms. Missed hearings or failure to respond properly can result in removal orders.
Detained cases move significantly faster than non-detained cases, leaving little time to gather evidence or prepare legal arguments. Families often struggle to keep up with developments while trying to locate and communicate with their detained loved one.
Key stages following ICE detention include:
Because these steps happen quickly, legal guidance immediately after detention can play a critical role in shaping the case and protecting the detainee’s rights.
For many individuals detained by ICE in Denver, a bond hearing may provide an opportunity to secure release while their immigration case is pending. Bond hearings allow an immigration judge to determine whether a detainee may be released from custody after posting a monetary bond. However, not everyone in ICE custody is eligible for bond, and the process requires careful legal preparation.
Bond eligibility depends on several factors, including the reason for detention, immigration history, and any prior criminal charges or convictions. ICE may argue that a detainee should remain in custody based on allegations of danger to the community or risk of failing to appear for future hearings. Successfully challenging these claims requires evidence and persuasive legal arguments.
Preparation for a bond hearing often involves gathering documentation that demonstrates stability and community ties. Judges may consider family relationships, employment history, length of time living in the United States, and compliance with prior court orders. Presenting this information clearly can significantly influence the bond amount or whether bond is granted at all.
Factors commonly evaluated in Denver bond hearings include:
Because bond hearings may occur shortly after detention, prompt legal involvement is essential. A well-prepared bond request can help secure release and allow individuals to fight their immigration case from outside detention.
Deportation and removal proceedings place Denver immigrants at risk of being forced to leave the United States, often after years of building lives, careers, and families in the area. Removal cases may be initiated due to alleged immigration violations, overstays, prior removal orders, or criminal charges. Once proceedings begin, individuals must respond to government allegations and present legal defenses in immigration court.
Removal defense involves analyzing all available options to prevent deportation. Depending on the circumstances, relief may include asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or other forms of protection under immigration law. Each option carries specific eligibility requirements and evidentiary burdens.
Immigration court proceedings require careful attention to deadlines, filings, and court appearances. Failure to comply with procedural rules can result in an automatic removal order. For detained individuals, the accelerated pace of the process makes legal representation especially important.
Common aspects of removal defense cases include:
Strong removal defense strategies focus on both immediate legal needs and long-term immigration consequences. Effective representation can help protect an individual’s ability to remain in Denver with their family.
Lawful permanent residents, often referred to as green card holders, are not immune from deportation. In Denver, lawful permanent residents may face removal proceedings due to certain criminal convictions, alleged immigration fraud, or prolonged travel outside the United States. Many green card holders are unaware of these risks until they are already in ICE custody.
Some criminal offenses carry severe immigration consequences, even if they result in minimal jail time or occurred years ago. Crimes classified as aggravated felonies or crimes involving moral turpitude can trigger mandatory detention or removal. Immigration authorities evaluate convictions differently than criminal courts, which can surprise lawful permanent residents.
Travel issues can also affect green card holders. Extended trips abroad or questions about abandonment of residence may lead to scrutiny at ports of entry and potential detention. Additionally, errors in past immigration filings may resurface during enforcement actions.
Common deportation risks for lawful permanent residents include:
Because lawful permanent residents have significant rights at stake, early legal review is essential. Understanding these risks can help protect immigration status and prevent unexpected removal.
Immigration appeals play a critical role in Denver removal cases when an immigration judge issues an unfavorable decision. An appeal allows individuals to challenge legal or procedural errors that may have affected the outcome of their case. Appeals are highly technical and must be filed within strict deadlines, making experienced legal guidance essential.
Appeals do not involve presenting a new case from the beginning. Instead, they focus on whether the immigration judge correctly applied the law, properly evaluated the evidence, and followed required procedures. In many Denver cases, appeals are filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals, though some matters may later proceed to federal court.
For detained individuals, the appeals process can be especially urgent. A pending appeal may delay removal, but failure to file correctly or on time can result in immediate enforcement action. Preparing an appeal requires a thorough review of hearing transcripts, court records, and legal standards.
Common reasons for immigration appeals include:
Appeals demand precision, organization, and strong legal argumentation. When handled properly, they can provide an important opportunity to correct mistakes and protect a person’s ability to remain in the United States.
Representing detained immigrants requires a focused and responsive legal approach. Denver detainees face fast-moving court schedules, limited access to resources, and intense pressure from enforcement authorities. Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez works to stabilize these situations by taking immediate action and developing clear legal strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances.
The firm assists detained clients from the earliest stages of ICE custody, including locating detainees, communicating with family members, and evaluating bond eligibility. Attorneys carefully review immigration histories to identify possible defenses and relief options, even in complex or high-risk cases.
Because detention affects every aspect of an immigration case, the firm prioritizes communication and preparation. Clients are informed about what to expect at each stage, and families are kept updated as cases progress.
Support provided to Denver detainees includes:
By combining urgency with careful legal analysis, Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez helps detained immigrants protect their rights and pursue every available option for release or relief.
Choosing legal representation in an ICE detention case can directly affect whether someone remains in custody or has a chance to fight their case from outside detention. Denver clients rely on Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez because the firm brings extensive experience, focused advocacy, and an understanding of how immigration enforcement operates in Colorado.
The attorneys at Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez have decades of combined experience handling high-stakes immigration matters, including complex detention and removal defense cases. Their background allows them to anticipate government arguments, identify weaknesses in enforcement actions, and pursue effective legal strategies.
The firm also understands the challenges faced by immigrants from diverse backgrounds. Language barriers, cultural differences, and fear of the legal system can make detention cases even more overwhelming. Multilingual support and clear communication help ensure clients understand their options and feel supported throughout the process.
Denver clients choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez for:
This combination of experience and client-focused representation provides detained immigrants with dependable advocacy when it matters most.
ICE detention cases move quickly, and delays can have serious consequences. If you or a loved one has been detained by ICE in Denver, it is critical to act as soon as possible. Early legal intervention can help protect your rights, preserve available defenses, and improve the chances of release or relief from removal.
Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez represents detained immigrants and their families throughout the Denver area. The firm understands the urgency and emotional strain of detention cases and works diligently to provide clear guidance and strong legal advocacy. From bond hearings to removal defense and appeals, the attorneys focus on practical solutions tailored to each client’s situation.
If you are facing ICE detention or deportation proceedings in Denver, contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez to discuss your options. Experienced legal representation can make a meaningful difference during this critical time and help you take informed steps toward protecting your future.




