When you’ve been detained by ICE in California and sent to a Processing Center like Golden State Annex, it can feel like you are totally cut off from the outside world and don’t have any options. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we want you to know that this isn’t true and you’re not alone. Our team can help you through the process and toward getting out. Set up a consultation today to learn more.
What Are My Legal Options If I’m Detained at Golden State Annex?
Just because you’re in detention doesn’t mean your case is over. Depending on your situation, there may be legal ways to stay in the U.S., stop deportation, or request release. Some of the most common options include:
- Cancellation of Removal – If you’ve lived in the U.S. for years, you may be able to stop your removal. It depends on what your current status is, though:
- If you have a green card, you might qualify if you’ve had it for at least 5 years, lived here for 7+ years, and don’t have serious criminal convictions.
- If you don’t have a green card, you still might qualify for a Cancellation if you’ve been here for over 10 years and can show that being deported would cause extreme hardship to your spouse, child, or parent that has full citizenship.
- Asylum – If returning to your home country would put your life at risk due to your race, religion, political opinion, or other protected reason, you may qualify for asylum—even if you didn’t come here legally.
- Waivers – Some people are held at Golden State Annex because of past issues—old immigration violations or criminal charges. In some cases, a waiver can forgive those and keep you eligible to stay.
- Adjustment of Status – If you’re currently trying to get your green card, you may be able to apply for an Adjustment of Status while in detention. Our team can help you begin the process even from inside.
Obviously, every situation is different–and certain detention cases are more urgent and serious than others. What’s important for you to know if you are detained at Golden State Annex–or somewhere else–is that you have these options. But it’s also about knowing what the right steps to take are.
What Should I Do If I’m Being Held at the Golden State Annex?
You obviously never want to be in a situation where you’re detained at Golden State Annex–or anywhere else by ICE. But it’s happening more and more, so it’s helpful to know what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:
- Try to stay calm – You don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status or country of origin. You have the right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer. If ICE shows up at your home or job, they need a signed warrant from a judge to enter.
- Try to document what happened – If someone witnessed your arrest, ask them to take notes or record what they saw (safely). Badge numbers, officer names, or anything unusual could help your legal case later.
- Do not sign anything under pressure – ICE may ask you to sign forms that could fast-track your deportation. Don’t sign unless you understand exactly what it means—and a lawyer has reviewed it with you.
- Have key documents ready – If you have ID, immigration paperwork, or anything related to past court cases, make sure a trusted family member keeps copies. This can help your legal team act quickly.
Even if you’re told otherwise by the people in charge, you can request phone access. At that point, either you or someone you trust can contact our office and we’ll step in to help right away. The sooner we connect, the more we can do.
How Can Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Help You at Golden State Annex?
There’s a variety of reasons that ICE can detain you and send you to Golden State Annex or other Processing Centers in California, whether it’s because:
- You’ve been arrested and flagged by ICE
- You overstayed a visa or entered the U.S. without inspection
- You have a past deportation order
- You were picked up during a raid, traffic stop, or immigration checkpoint
Golden State Annex is just one of the facilities ICE uses to hold people while it decides what comes next—whether that’s releasing you, moving forward with deportation, or starting immigration court proceedings. Some people are held for a few days. Others may stay for weeks or even longer, depending on their situation.
At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we understand how confusing and overwhelming detention can be—for both the person inside and their family on the outside. Our legal team has guided individuals and families through ICE detentions across California, and we know how to get to work quickly. Here’s how we can help you:
- Clearly explain your rights and what legal options may apply to your situation
- File motions to request your release or a bond hearing
- Guide your loved ones on how to find you and what they can do to support you
- Take care of the paperwork, deadlines, and filings so you don’t miss critical steps
- Represent you in immigration court and advocate for your best outcome
Detention doesn’t mean your story is over. You may still have a path forward—and we’ll walk with you every step of the way. Contact us now to understand your options and take the next step.
