Immigration Court No-Show Guide for Van Zandt County: ICE Response, Detention Risk, and Legal Options

Missing your immigration court hearing in Van Zandt County can have serious consequences, including potential involvement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Understanding what happens after a missed hearing and knowing your options is crucial for protecting your rights and navigating the immigration system. This guide explains the consequences of missing an immigration court date, how ICE may become involved, and what steps you can take if this happens to you.

❌ What Happens If You Miss Immigration Court

If you fail to appear for a scheduled immigration hearing, the immigration judge will likely issue an in-absentia removal order if:

• You were properly notified of the date, time, and location of court, and
• You did not appear for your scheduled hearing

Proper notice typically means:

• A Notice to Appear (NTA) was sent to your last known address, and
• You were informed about the consequences of missing court

🚨 ICE Involvement After a Missed Hearing

Once an in-absentia removal order is issued:

• The immigration court notifies ICE that you've been ordered removed
• You become subject to immediate deportation
• ICE may issue a Warrant of Removal (Form I-205)

With this warrant, ICE officers can:

• Come to your home or workplace
• Arrest you without additional judicial process
• Detain you for removal from the United States

🔒 Potential Detention and Monitoring

After ICE locates someone with an in-absentia removal order:

• You may be sent to a detention center like Prairieland Detention Facility
• Deportation proceedings may move quickly with limited opportunity to contest
• If ICE cannot locate you immediately, you may be placed on a fugitive list
• Your information may be monitored through various government databases

📍 Contact Information for Prairieland Detention Facility

If you or a loved one has been detained following a missed court hearing, you can contact the detention facility for information:

Facility Name: Prairieland Detention Facility

Address: 1209 Sunflower Lane, Alvarado, TX 76009

Phone: (817) 409-3995

⚠️ Options After Missing Court

If you've missed your immigration court hearing, you may have limited options:

• Motion to Reopen: Must be filed within 180 days of the removal order if you can show "exceptional circumstances" beyond your control
• Motion to Rescind: Can be filed if you can prove you never received proper notice of the hearing
• Stay of Removal: In some cases, you may request a temporary stay of the removal order while pursuing other relief
• Change of Address: Always file Form EOIR-33/IC to update your address with the immigration court if you move

🔍 Resources for Tracking Your Case

To avoid missing future hearings, use these resources to stay informed about your case:

• ⚖️ Immigration Court Case Information: Automated Case Information System
• 📱 Case Status by Phone: 1-800-898-7180 (requires your A-number)
• 🔎 ICE Detainee Locator: Online Detainee Locator System

Get Legal Help in Van Zandt County

For personalized legal advice about your immigration case, contact Elsa Soto at:

• 📞 Phone: 832-800-3572
• 📅 Consultation: Book Online
• 🌐 Website: www.sotolawteam.com