Over the past several weeks, many non-citizens across the United States have begun receiving letters in the mail from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requesting that they appear for a “Call-In Appointment” at their local ICE Field Office. These notices can be alarming and confusing—particularly for people who have lived in the United States for years, have ongoing immigration cases, or already have authorized status.

Why Did I Receive a Call-In Letter?

In many cases, these letters are being issued to individuals who:

  • Have a prior order of removal or outstanding deportation order

  • Were previously ordered removed in absentia

  • Are subject to expedited removal after entering the United States

  • Are currently on an order of supervision

However, we are also seeing these notices issued to individuals who currently have lawful authorization to remain in the United States, including:

  • Applicants with a Bona Fide Determination awaiting final approval of a U visa

  • Clients who have been granted Withholding of Removal by an immigration judge

  • Individuals with pending I-589 asylum applications or other humanitarian relief

Even if you believe you are in status or protected from removal, you should not ignore a Call-In Appointment notice. Attending without legal preparation can be risky.

Contact an Attorney Immediately

If you receive a call-in letter from ICE:

Do not go alone.

Do not miss the appointment.

Do not ignore the letter.

Every case is unique, and legal strategy depends on your specific history and immigration posture. If you are currently a client of our firm, please contact us right away so we can review your notice and advise you before the appointment.

If you are not yet a client, we encourage you to schedule a consultation through our website as soon as possible. If we do not have an available consultation before your Call-In date, please call our office and we will provide referrals to attorneys currently handling these matters.

Can ICE Cancel the Appointment or Offer Alternatives?

In some cases, an attorney may be able to:

  • Request that the Call-In Appointment be cancelled

  • Request an Order of Supervision instead of detention or removal action

  • Submit a Stay of Removal (Form I-246)

Whether these options are available depends heavily on case facts, such as:

  • Time in the United States

  • Criminal history

  • Family ties

  • Evidence of rehabilitation and community involvement

  • Proof of pending or approved immigration filings

Bring a Stay of Removal Application to Your Appointment

We recommend that all individuals attending an ICE Call-In Appointment bring:

  • A completed Form I-246, Application for a Stay of Deportation or Removal

  • The $155 filing fee

  • Supporting evidence demonstrating why removal should be deferred

Examples of Helpful Supporting Evidence

  • Proof of long-term residence in the U.S.

  • Work history and employment verification

  • Tax records

  • Medical records showing serious health conditions or care needs

  • Evidence of family ties, including U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members

  • School records, certificates, community involvement, and letters of support

  • Proof of pending applications, such as:

    • U visa (including Bona Fide Determination notices)

    • Withholding of removal grant order

    • Asylum or adjustment filings

    • Work authorization

What You Should Do Next

If you are a current client: call us immediately upon receiving a Call-In notice.

If you are a prospective client: schedule a consultation on our website to discuss your appointment and legal options.

If we do not have availability before your appointment: call our office so we can provide referrals to attorneys currently handling these cases.