A new recording from the Department of Homeland Security suggests that many immigrant families detained at the United States border and then released are not reporting to immigration offices as required by law.

70% Do Not Report to ICE, 25% Do Not Attend Hearing

Data from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) suggests that around 70% of migrant families that have been caught and released at the border have not shown up to immigration offices. In the four month period between May and August, nearly 40,000 individuals were found to be entering the country, many as family units.

Due to the surge in immigration from Central America, traditional detention facilities do not have enough space to house those caught. These individuals are allowed to stay with family members in the country as long as they inform ICE of their location.

Just because a person has made it over the border does not mean that they are safe from deportation. Those that have been released after being caught are required to check in with immigration officials to begin the immigration court hearing process.

If an immigrant does not check in with officials, it is assumed that the person has chosen to flee to the interior of the United States rather than face an immigration court for their deportation hearing.

Just because such a high rate of individuals have failed to report to ICE does not mean that these families are not showing up to immigration court hearings. It is reported that around 25% of those facing deportation do not show up to trials.

This data is being used by immigration authorities to discover where gaps may be and how they can address them.

If you or a loved one has recently come into the United States and has not shown up to a deportation court hearing, take steps now to prevent problems in the future.

Check out the directory of immigration attorneys for one in an area close to you.