Civil Contempt in Family Court
- When a non-citizen is held in contempt and given jail time, the individual becomes vulnerable to detection by ICE and deportation proceedings.
- ICE referral or custody should not deprive a non-citizen litigant’s access to the family court proceeding.
Detention and Immigration Enforcement Referral
Certain non-citizens, once detained in a local, state or federal jail or prison, may be subject to referral to ICE.

Incarceration can also lead to the denial of immigration benefits and relief
- Any period of incarceration, no matter what the reason, can negatively impact a person’s ability to receive an immigration benefit, like a green card or citizenship.
- Any period of incarceration, no matter what the reason, can negatively impact a person’s ability to obtain relief from deportation.
- Any immigration benefit that U.S. denied may also impact the immigration status of children or other family members.