Immigration enforcement has intensified dramatically in 2026. ICE operations have expanded in major cities across the United States, with a significant increase in Notices to Appear being issued — including to long-term residents, green card holders, and DACA recipients. If you or a family member is facing immigration enforcement, understanding your legal options and their costs is critical.
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is the document that officially initiates removal proceedings. It sets out the government's grounds for seeking your removal and specifies a court date. Receiving an NTA does not mean deportation is inevitable — it means proceedings have begun and you have the right to contest them before an immigration judge.
The first hearing — a master calendar hearing — is typically scheduled 30–60 days after the NTA is issued. This hearing is procedural: the judge checks whether you have representation, ensures you understand the charges, and sets the schedule for substantive hearings. Missing any hearing typically results in an automatic removal order.
Immigration defence is among the most expensive areas of legal practice, for good reason — the stakes are enormous and the law is extraordinarily complex.
Bond hearing: $1,500–$3,500. If you are detained, a bond hearing requests release while your case proceeds. This is typically the first urgent cost.
Master calendar hearing representation: $1,000–$2,500. Appearing with an attorney at the initial procedural hearings.
Full removal defence: $7,500–$20,000+. Defending a removal case through substantive hearings, including evidence preparation, witness testimony, and legal arguments. Cases involving multiple forms of relief or complex criminal history cost more.
Appeals: $3,000–$8,000 per level. Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) appeals and federal court appeals add further costs.
DACA protections remain legally contested in 2026. While active DACA recipients retain work authorisation, the programme's long-term future is uncertain. DACA recipients who have received enforcement actions should seek immediate legal counsel — there are forms of relief available, including cancellation of removal and asylum, that experienced attorneys can evaluate.
A common misconception is that lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot be deported. This is incorrect. Green card holders can face removal proceedings for certain criminal convictions, immigration fraud, or extended absences from the United States. The 2026 enforcement environment has seen more proceedings initiated against long-term permanent residents than in previous years.
Regardless of immigration status, you have constitutional rights during an ICE encounter. You have the right to remain silent. You are not required to sign any document without your attorney present. You have the right to contact an attorney. If ICE agents come to your home without a judicial warrant, you are not required to open the door.
The single most important action if you receive an NTA or are detained is to contact an immigration attorney immediately. The earlier legal representation is retained, the better the range of options available.
Immigration law is a federal practice area — attorneys can represent clients across state lines. Look for attorneys who specifically focus on removal defence and have experience appearing in the immigration courts serving your area. Always verify bar registration before retaining anyone.