Facing deportation is one of the most stressful experiences an immigrant can endure. Removal proceedings can separate families, end years of hard work, and jeopardize everything you’ve built in the United States. For individuals detained at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, these cases move quickly, sometimes before families even know where their loved one is being held.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we fight for clients detained in Jena and for families throughout Louisiana and nearby Natchez, Mississippi. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing immigrants in deportation proceedings, from initial bond hearings to federal appeals. We believe every person deserves a fair hearing and a chance to remain with their loved ones.
Understanding Deportation and Removal Proceedings in Jena
Deportation (or “removal”) is the formal process by which the U.S. government seeks to expel a non-citizen from the country. Proceedings often begin after an arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or following the denial of an immigration application such as asylum, DACA renewal, or adjustment of status.
For those detained at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center, hearings are often conducted by video teleconference (VTC) with immigration judges located in other cities. This distance can make communication and coordination difficult, especially for families who live hours away.
Removal proceedings typically follow these stages:
- Notice to Appear (NTA): ICE issues a formal charging document outlining the reasons for removal.
- Master Calendar Hearing: The first court appearance, where charges are read and initial pleadings are entered.
- Individual Hearing: The main evidentiary hearing where evidence and testimony are presented.
- Decision and Appeals: A ruling is issued, which can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or federal court if necessary.
Each stage requires precision and preparation. Without legal representation, individuals risk missing deadlines or having removal orders entered by default.
Common Reasons for Deportation in Jena
Immigrants detained in Jena face deportation for a variety of reasons, many of which can be defended or mitigated with legal assistance. The most common include:
- Entering or remaining in the United States without authorization
- Expired or revoked visas
- Criminal convictions or arrests, even for minor offenses
- Allegations of immigration fraud or misrepresentation
- Failure to appear at prior immigration hearings
- Denial of an asylum or adjustment of status application
No matter the reason, deportation does not always mean there is no hope. Our attorneys evaluate every case to identify possible defenses, including waivers, asylum eligibility, or procedural errors in the government’s case.
How Our Jena Deportation Defense Attorneys Can Help
When facing removal, immediate action is essential. Our attorneys begin working the moment we are retained, reviewing all court documents, identifying relief options, and preparing strong defenses tailored to each client’s circumstances.
We represent clients in every stage of the process, including bond hearings, motions to reopen, appeals, and petitions for relief from removal.
Bond Hearings and Custody Release
Many detainees at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center are eligible to request release on bond while their immigration case proceeds. Our attorneys:
- Determine bond eligibility under federal law
- Prepare supporting evidence and affidavits showing community ties and family support
- Represent clients at bond hearings before immigration judges
- Guide families through posting bond and securing release
A successful bond hearing can allow detainees to reunite with their families and continue their cases outside of custody, where they can more effectively assist in their defense.
Motions to Reopen or Reconsider
For those who have already received removal orders, all is not lost. We file motions to reopen or reconsider when new evidence arises or when prior proceedings were conducted without due process.
Common grounds for reopening include:
- New eligibility for relief (such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or an approved visa petition)
- Changes in country conditions that create asylum eligibility
- Ineffective assistance of prior counsel
- Lack of notice for earlier hearings
Filing these motions promptly can stop or delay deportation while the case is reconsidered by the immigration court or the BIA.
Applications for Relief from Removal
Our attorneys pursue every form of legal relief available under federal immigration law, including:
- Asylum and Withholding of Removal: Protection for those fleeing persecution or violence in their home countries.
- Cancellation of Removal: Relief for long-term residents who have built lives and families in the United States.
- Adjustment of Status: Legal residency based on family relationships, employment, or humanitarian programs.
- Waivers of Inadmissibility: Overcoming prior immigration violations, unlawful presence, or criminal convictions.
Each of these applications requires detailed documentation, strong evidence, and strategic presentation. Our attorneys are meticulous in preparing cases that demonstrate why our clients deserve to remain in the United States.
Defending Clients Detained at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center
The LaSalle ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana, handles a high volume of deportation and removal cases each year. Many detainees are transferred there from other states and quickly find themselves isolated, uncertain of their legal options, and unable to communicate freely with family members.
Our attorneys at Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez have experience representing detainees in Jena. We understand how hearings are scheduled, how ICE officers handle custody matters, and how to navigate the system to ensure our clients’ rights are fully protected.
When representing detainees at LaSalle, we:
- File motions for bond hearings and redeterminations,
- Prepare asylum and cancellation of removal applications,
- Communicate directly with ICE and detention staff to track case progress, and
- Coordinate family communication and document transfers between detainees and loved ones.
We also work closely with families in Natchez, Mississippi, and across Louisiana, helping them stay involved in their relatives’ cases from beginning to end. No matter how complex or urgent the situation, our goal is to secure release when possible and fight deportation at every stage.
Why Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez for Removal Defense in Jena
When facing deportation, experience and responsiveness matter. Immigration law is constantly changing, and each case requires an attorney who not only understands the law but also knows how local detention centers and immigration courts operate.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our team has represented a multitude of clients across Louisiana and beyond. We have handled cases involving detention, criminal charges, asylum, and adjustment of status, often simultaneously, giving us a deep understanding of how these issues intersect.
Clients choose our firm because:
- We have decades of combined experience handling deportation and removal cases.
- Our attorneys represent clients detained at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center.
- We offer bilingual legal support in English and Spanish.
- We build personalized strategies for each case, focusing on keeping families together.
- We communicate clearly and keep families informed throughout every stage of the process.
Whether you are detained in Jena or have a loved one facing removal, our attorneys are ready to act immediately. We work tirelessly to prevent deportation and to help our clients stay in the United States legally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deportation in Jena
What happens after I receive a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
You will be required to attend a hearing before an immigration judge, where the government presents its case for removal. Failing to appear can result in an automatic deportation order. Our attorneys help clients understand their NTA, prepare responses, and appear on their behalf when possible.
Can I stop a deportation order once it’s issued?
Yes, in some cases. We can file a motion to reopen or a motion to stay removal if new evidence arises or if procedural errors occurred in the original hearing. These filings can delay or reverse deportation while the case is reconsidered.
What if I missed a court hearing in the past?
If you missed a hearing because you didn’t receive notice or had a valid reason, you may still be able to reopen your case. Our firm frequently files motions to rescind in absentia orders for clients who were deported unfairly.
Can I apply for asylum while detained in Jena?
Yes. Detention does not prevent you from applying for asylum or withholding of removal. We help clients detained at LaSalle prepare strong asylum claims supported by detailed evidence and credible testimony.
How long do removal proceedings take?
The timeline varies. Some cases are resolved in weeks; others take months or longer depending on court scheduling, available relief, and ICE’s decisions. Our attorneys act quickly to avoid unnecessary delays and pursue every legal option available.
Contact Our Jena Deportation Defense Attorneys Today
Deportation cases are time-sensitive and emotionally overwhelming. Whether you or a loved one is detained at the LaSalle ICE Processing Center or living in the Jena area, it is critical to have an attorney who understands both immigration law and the local detention system.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we provide immediate, strategic, and compassionate legal representation to individuals and families facing removal in Jena, Oakdale, New Orleans, and surrounding communities. We also assist families in Natchez, Mississippi, who need help locating or supporting detained loved ones.
Call Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez today at (216) 284-7591 or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Jena deportation defense attorney. Our team is ready to fight for your freedom, your family, and your future in the United States.
