If you or a loved one has been detained at Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center, it’s normal to feel scared and uncertain. ICE has been stepping up enforcement across California, and many families are caught off guard–even if you’re already a citizen or have a pending case. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we help you understand your rights, fight for release, and take the next steps. You don’t have to face this alone.
Set up a consultation today to find out how we can help.
Why Am I Being Detained at Mesa Verde?
This is probably the first question you have, and unfortunately, it can be difficult to answer. Every situation is different, but understanding why you’re being detained at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center is the first step in getting out. Here’s a few reasons why you might be detained there:
- Alleged violations – This is probably going to be the given reason, at least initially. ICE will detain you and anybody else that they believe to be in violation of U.S. immigration law. That could mean they’re saying you are:
- Entering the U.S. without permission (crossing the border without inspection)
- Overstaying a visa or violating the terms of your visa
- Missing a prior immigration court date or ignoring a removal order
Having no lawful status due to changes in your personal situation, like a denied asylum case, a terminated DACA permit, or a withdrawn application
You might also be detained if you have a pending case. ICE may detain you while they decide whether you’re eligible to stay or be removed.
- Criminal history – If you’ve ever been arrested or convicted—even for something minor—ICE can use that as a reason to detain you, especially if you have:
- DUI or drug charges
- Theft or fraud
- Domestic violence
- Old charges, even if they were dropped or resolved
Sometimes ICE takes action just because someone had contact with the police, even if it didn’t lead to jail time.
- Immigration policy enforcement – Sometimes you might be detained as part of larger efforts by ICE—not because of anything recent you did. As recent media coverage has shown, you might be detained as part of ICE’s efforts to:
- Target certain groups or communities
- Ramp up enforcement based on national policies
- Act on old records or data
- Make arrests to meet internal goals or respond to political pressure
In some cases, it’s more about how ICE is operating in California at the time than anything specific you did. Regardless of the reason you’ve been detained, you still have options. But it’s important to take the right steps after you find yourself in Mesa Verde–or any other processing center in California.
What Steps Do I Need to Take If I’m in the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center?
Getting detained by ICE is overwhelming—especially if you or someone you love ends up at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield. It’s one of California’s better-known ICE facilities, and going through that process alone can be confusing and isolating. But even inside Mesa Verde, you still have rights—and you still have options. Here’s what you need to know:
- Stay calm – If ICE picks you up and takes you to Mesa Verde, don’t panic. You don’t have to answer questions about your immigration status or sign anything right away. Remember, you don’t have to say anything and you still have the right to a lawyer. If ICE shows up at your door or workplace, ask to see a warrant signed by a judge before letting them in.
- Try to get details – If it’s safe, try to remember (or write down later) what happened when you were detained. Details like officer names, badge numbers, or anything unusual can be helpful later on. If someone with you can safely take a photo or video, even better. But never put yourself in danger just to document something.
- Call someone for help – Mesa Verde is a locked-down facility, but you can still make phone calls. If you’re there, ask to call our lawyers or have a family member do it for you. Our team has worked with families dealing with detainment at Mesa Verde—we’ve helped with bond hearings, requests for release, and planning the next steps.
- Don’t sign anything – ICE may try to get you to sign forms that waive your rights or fast-track deportation. Don’t sign anything unless you fully understand it and you’ve spoken with a lawyer. That’s especially important if the form isn’t in your language or feels rushed.
- Make sure you have access to your documents – If you’re undocumented or have an active immigration case, it’s helpful if a trusted friend or family member has copies of your key documents—like your ID, immigration paperwork, and any court letters. That can make it easier for your legal team to act quickly if you’re taken to Mesa Verde.
No one wants to imagine this happening, but given today’s climate, it’s important to do what you can to start building a case. That’s where our team comes in–we’ve helped people get out of Mesa Verde and continue their immigration journey. We can help you understand your options—and how to move forward.
Get Help After Being Detained at Mesa Verde Processing Center
Being locked up at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center can feel hopeless—but you still have legal options. Depending on your background, your immigration history, and your family situation, there may be ways to challenge your detention and avoid deportation:
- Getting a Cancellation of Removal
- Asylum
- Adjustment of Status
- Immigration Waivers
We know how hard it is to be stuck inside Mesa Verde—not just for you, but for your entire family. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we’ve helped people detained there take back control of their case and their future. If you’re being held at Mesa Verde, here’s how we can support you right now:
- Help you understand your rights and legal options
- Take the right steps to request your release
- Guide your family through the ICE system and how to locate you
- Handle the paperwork so nothing gets missed
- Represent you in immigration court and prepare you for hearings
Time is of the essence in this situation, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today for a consultation.
