Criminal Defense of Immigrants

The DHS makes the initial bond determination.[1]  Unless barred,[2] the noncitizen may then request that the IJ review that determination.[3]  The IJ may raise or lower bond,[4] and consider non-monetary conditions to bond.  The IJ’s decision may be based upon any information available,[5] including pending criminal charges.[6]  Although the IJ can take into consideration a number of factors in making a custody/bond determination,[7] the most important considerations are (1) danger to the community, and (2) flight risk.[8]  Appeal of an IJ’s bond decision to the BIA must be made within 30 days.[9]  Actual release of the immigrant is subject to the possibility of an automatic stay of release if the government appeals.[10]  See § 6.46, infra.

Regulations govern when DHS may release a noncitizen who is not subject to mandatory detention.[11]  “Any officer authorized to issue a warrant of arrest may, in the officer’s discretion, release an alien [not subject to mandatory detention] provided that the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the officer that such release would not pose a danger to property or persons, and that the alien is likely to appear for any future proceeding.”[12]  Appeal of a DHS decision must be made within 10 days.[13]

[227] 8 C.F.R. § § 236.1, 1236.1.

[228] 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(h)(2)(i).

[229] 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19.

[230] Matter of Spiliopoulos, 16 I. & N. Dec. 561 (BIA 1978).

[231] 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(d).

[232] Matter of Guerra, 24 I. & N. Dec. 37 (BIA Sept. 28, 2006) (no error for immigration judge to consider a pending criminal charge, and the evidence underlying it, in deciding whether a noncitizen would be a danger to the community if released from immigration custody).

[233] See Matter of Patel, 15 I. & N. Dec. 666 (BIA 1976) (listing criteria for consideration).

[234] See, e.g., Matter of Drysdale, 20 I. & N. Dec. 815 (BIA 1994).

[235] 8 C.F.R. § § 236(d)(3)(i), 1236(d)(3)(i).

[236] 8 C.F.R. § 236.1(d).

[237] 8 C.F.R. § § 236.1(c)(2)-(c)(8).

[238] 8 C.F.R. § 236.1(c)(8).

[239] 8 C.F.R. § § 236(d)(3)(ii), 1236(d)(3)(ii).