If you’re currently detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Desert View Annex, Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can help you. ICE has been increasing immigration enforcement across California, and that includes detentions at the Desert View Annex. Many people are taken in suddenly, without much warning. In this situation, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed–but you have options and our team can help you through them. Set up a consultation today.
Can I Get Detained By ICE and Sent to Desert View Annex?
As an immigrant, detention by ICE is probably at the forefront of your daily life. This is incredibly disheartening–especially if you have citizenship. But the reality is that today’s political climate means that the potential of being sent to an ICE Processing Center like Desert View Annex could happen if you’ve been:
- Picked up during an ICE raid or checkpoint
- Arrested for something else and ICE placed a hold on you
- Going through an immigration case that’s still open or is unresolved
- Flagged in their system due to prior immigration violations
Desert View Annex is one of the facilities ICE uses to hold people during removal proceedings or while they decide whether to release or deport someone. Some people are held there just days—others for weeks or even months. No matter what the reason is–or what your circumstances are–it’s important to know what you need to do now.
What Should I Do If I’m Detained at the Desert View Annex?
Being picked up by ICE and taken to the Desert View Annex is frightening—especially if it happens without warning. But even in detention, you still have rights. And what you do next can make a real difference. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Stay calm and protect yourself – You don’t have to answer questions about where you’re from or your immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. If ICE comes to your home or job, ask to see a warrant signed by a judge before letting them in.
- Write down what you remember – If someone nearby can safely record or take notes during the arrest, that can help later. Try to get names or badge numbers if possible. But safety comes first—don’t risk getting hurt just to collect details.
- Call for help – People held at Desert View can request to make phone calls. Ask to contact a lawyer or have a loved one do it for you. The sooner you connect with legal help, the more options you may have.
- Don’t sign anything without understanding it – ICE may try to get you to sign documents that speed up deportation. Don’t sign anything unless a lawyer has explained what it means. This is especially true if the form is in a language you don’t fully understand.
- Have key documents ready – If you have immigration paperwork, ID, or court records, make sure a family member keeps copies. That can help your legal team act fast and give you the best chance at release.
Being detained at Desert View is serious—but it’s not the end of your case. With the right help, you can take action.
What Are My Legal Options If I’m Being Held at Desert View Annex?
Just because you’re being held at Desert View Annex doesn’t mean you’ve run out of options. Depending on your history and your current situation, there may be legal ways to stay in the U.S. and avoid deportation. Some of the most common paths include:
- Cancellation of Removal – If you’ve lived in the U.S. a long time, you may be able to ask for this relief. If you’re a green card holder, you might qualify if you’ve had your card for 5+ years, lived in the U.S. for at least 7 years, and haven’t committed serious crimes. Non-residents might qualify if they’ve lived here more than 10 years and have a U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child who would face extreme hardship if they were deported.
- Asylum – If returning to your home country would put you at risk because of your race, religion, political views, or other protected reasons, you may be eligible for asylum—even if you didn’t enter the U.S. legally.
- Waivers – If your detention is based on an old immigration or criminal issue, a waiver might help clear the way. These are often available to people with long-term ties to the U.S. and a clean recent record.
- Adjustment of status – If you qualify for a green card based on a family relationship or another path, you may still be able to apply—even while in detention. Our team can help you figure out if this applies to you.
None of these options are automatic—you’ll need to act fast, and it helps to have a lawyer guiding you through each step.
How Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help If You’re Detained at Desert View
Being locked up at Desert View Annex is scary—not just for you, but for your family too. We’ve helped people in your shoes get out, understand their options, and take steps toward staying in the U.S. If you’re being held at Desert View, here’s how we can help:
- Explain what rights you still have
- File for your release and prepare your case
- Help your family find you and stay informed
- Handle the paperwork so nothing falls through the cracks
- Stand by you during hearings and help you make decisions
Being detained at Desert View doesn’t mean your future is gone. There’s still a legal way forward—and Maison Law Immigration Lawyers here to help you take it. If you or someone you love is being held at Desert View, don’t wait. Reach out to talk with us about your options and what to do next.
