Watch out for notario scams
Families with someone in detention are targets for scams. Here's how to spot them.
First: this is civil detention
ICE detention is civil, not a criminal sentence. There is no sentence to serve, so there are no sentence credits (good time) and no release date to calculate. Release depends on the immigration case: a bond, an immigration judge's decision, or an ICE decision.
There is no right to a free lawyer in immigration court. The law allows a lawyer "at no expense to the Government" (8 U.S.C. 1362 (opens in new tab)). Look for free or low-cost help on the EOIR list of pro bono providers (opens in new tab) and from accredited representatives (opens in new tab).
Watch for scams: a "notario" is not a lawyer in the U.S. Don't pay anyone who promises results. How to spot a scam.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different.
Warning signs
- A "notario público" in the U.S. is not a lawyer and can't give immigration legal advice.
- They promise a guaranteed result, a "connection," or special treatment from ICE or the court.
- They charge for free forms, or want cash, gift cards or wire transfers with no receipt.
- They ask you to sign blank or false forms, or keep your original documents.
- Someone calls or messages claiming to be ICE or the government and asks for money to release someone.
What to do
- Use only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives: see legal help.
- Check EOIR's list of disciplined practitioners (opens in new tab).
- Pay bonds only through ICE CeBONDS (opens in new tab).
- Get receipts and copies of everything filed.
- If you were scammed, USCIS explains how to report it: common scams (opens in new tab).
Sources: ICE, the Justice Department's Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), USCIS, and the laws and rules linked above. Checked 2026-10-21.
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