If you or a loved one has been detained by ICE, received a Notice to Appear (NTA), or is facing removal proceedings, the clock is already running. Missed deadlines and self-representation can be fatal to a case. Our Orlando firm has defended thousands of Central Florida residents in immigration court since 1996.
Call us immediately if you are facing any of these:
- A family member has been detained at Krome, Glades, Stewart, or another ICE detention center
- You received a Notice to Appear (Form I-862) in the mail
- You have an upcoming master calendar or merits hearing in Orlando
- Your case was denied and you have only 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals
- You missed an immigration court hearing and have an in absentia order
- ICE has shown up at your home or workplace
If your loved one was detained in the past 24-48 hours, please call us first — written form responses can wait, but bond hearings cannot.
The Orlando Immigration Court — what to expect
The Orlando Immigration Court at 3535 Lawton Road handles removal cases for residents of Central Florida. Each judge has different tendencies on bond amounts, continuances, motions, and case management — and case strategy depends heavily on which judge you draw.
We have appeared before sitting judges at the Orlando court many times since 1996. We know which arguments work, which evidence to lead with, and how to prepare witnesses. We also have working relationships with the local ICE Office of Chief Counsel — important for stipulations, prosecutorial discretion requests, and motion negotiations.
If your loved one is detained at Krome (Miami area), Glades (Moore Haven, FL), Baker County (Macclenny, FL), or Stewart (Lumpkin, GA), we coordinate with bond hearings remotely while preparing the merits case in Orlando.
First 72 Hours Are Critical
What happens right after a detention
Detention & intake
ICE transfers your loved one to a detention facility. Family often loses contact for 24–48 hours. We can locate them via the ICE detainee locator and start gathering evidence immediately.
Bond eligibility review
Most non-violent detainees are eligible for bond. We file a motion and prepare evidence of community ties, employment, family, and lack of flight risk.
Bond hearing
Before an immigration judge in Orlando or remotely from the detention facility. With strong preparation, bond is set and your loved one comes home pending the merits case.
Defense strategy
Cancellation of removal, asylum, U-visa, adjustment of status, voluntary departure — we identify every avenue and pursue the strongest one.
What clients say
Mr. Gustavo Vargas was my lawyer twice, years ago for my immigration process and now for my husband's. He is extremely Professional and knowledgeable about the entire process. Both times it was a success story! Highly recommended. Thank you so much.alba inacio
Gustavo Z. Vargas, Esq.
Gustavo Vargas is Florida Board Certified in Immigration and Nationality Law and has practiced exclusively in immigration since 1996, with extensive experience in deportation defense before the Orlando Immigration Court. He has presented oral arguments before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and has practiced before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Born in Lima, Peru, he speaks fluent Spanish. He earned his J.D. at Florida State University in 1992.
Deportation defense — questions clients ask
How fast can you get a bond hearing?
Bond hearings can usually be scheduled within 5–10 days of detention. We file a written request immediately upon retainer and prepare evidence of community ties, employment, family relationships, and lack of flight risk. The judge sets bond based on these factors plus the seriousness of any criminal history. Most non-violent detainees are eligible for bond, though there are categories of "mandatory detention" where bond is not available — we tell you upfront which category applies.
What does deportation defense cost?
Fees are quoted as a flat amount upfront after the consultation, not hourly. The exact fee depends on what stage your case is at (bond hearing only, master calendar through merits, BIA appeal, federal review), what defenses are available, and whether asylum or other complex relief is involved. We give you the total before you decide to hire us — no surprise charges.
What if my loved one is detained out of state?
Many ICE detainees from Central Florida are transferred to Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia, or Krome in Miami. We handle bond hearings remotely via video at those facilities and coordinate the merits case in Orlando. Out-of-state detention is very common; we do this regularly.
Can I still fight deportation if I have a criminal record?
Often yes, depending on the offense. Misdemeanors and many felonies still leave avenues open: cancellation of removal for permanent residents, cancellation for non-LPRs, U-visas for crime victims, asylum, and voluntary departure. Convictions involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies are harder but not always fatal. The consultation tells you honestly what is possible.
What if I missed a court date?
If you missed a hearing, you likely have an in absentia removal order. You have a limited window — typically 180 days for exceptional circumstances, or anytime for lack of proper notice or ineffective assistance of prior counsel — to file a motion to reopen. Earlier is better. Call us immediately if this is your situation.
Will I be deported during my case?
If you have a pending case before the immigration court and you are not detained, you generally cannot be removed until the judge issues a final order and any appeals are exhausted. If you receive a final order of removal, you have 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). After the BIA, federal Circuit Court review is possible. We pursue every level when warranted.
My ankle monitor or check-in just changed. Should I be worried?
Possibly. Changes in supervision intensity, sudden check-in re-scheduling, or new instructions to bring travel documents can be precursors to detention or removal. If anything has changed in your supervision, call us immediately so we can review and respond proactively.
Ready to talk about your case?
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligation. Confidential. Available in English or Spanish.
Visit our Orlando office
545 Delaney Ave, Building 4
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 835-1009
info@immlawcenter.com
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. 2 miles from the Orlando Immigration Court.
Photo credit: Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
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