ICE May Deport Migrants to Non-Native Countries with Six Hours’ Notice

Key Takeaways

• ICE can deport undocumented immigrants nationwide without court hearings since January 2025.
• Third-country deportations allowed if another country accepts migrants, even if never resided there.
• Migrants get as little as six hours’ notice before deportation under new policies.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) now has the power to deport migrants—including to countries they are not originally from—with as little as six hours’ notice. This sweeping change, in effect since early 2025 under the Trump administration, marks a dramatic shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 handles expedited removal and third-country deportations. The new rules have left many immigrants and their families anxious, legal experts concerned, and advocacy groups scrambling to provide support.

What Changed and Why It Matters

As of January 21, 2025, ICE can use expedited removal anywhere in the United States 🇺🇸, not just near the border. This means that undocumented immigrants who cannot prove they have lived in the country for at least two years can be deported quickly—sometimes within a single day. Before this change, expedited removal was limited to people found within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of arrival. Now, the policy applies nationwide, affecting a much larger group of people.

The most striking part of the new policy is that ICE can deport people to third countries, not just their country of origin. If another country agrees to accept them, ICE can send migrants there—even if they have never lived in that country. This practice, known as third-country deportation, has been allowed to continue by the Supreme Court while legal challenges are still being decided.

How Expedited Removal Works Now

Under the expanded rules, ICE officers can arrest and deport undocumented immigrants without giving them a chance to see an immigration judge. The only exception is if the person tells the officer they are afraid to return to their home country or a third country. If they do, they may get a “credible fear interview,” which is a first step in the asylum process. However, officers are not required to ask about fear of return. Migrants must speak up on their own, or they risk being removed immediately.

Short Notice and Limited Rights

One of the most troubling aspects of the new policy is the extremely short notice period. Migrants may receive as little as six hours’ notice before being deported. This gives them very little time to contact a lawyer, reach out to family, or gather important documents. There is no law that requires ICE to give more notice, and reports show that rapid removals are becoming more common, especially in cases involving third-country deportations.

Record Numbers and Increased Enforcement

The first half of 2025 has seen a sharp rise in arrests and deportations. In the first 100 days of the year, ICE arrested 66,463 undocumented individuals and deported 65,682. The agency now operates 155 detention centers, up from 107 at the start of the year, and is holding over 51,000 people as of June 2025.

ICE has also expanded its partnerships with local police and sheriffs through 579 active 287(g) agreements. These agreements allow local law enforcement officers to help identify and detain undocumented immigrants. In addition, the military now supports ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in enforcement operations, making it easier for the government to carry out rapid removals.

Legal and Civil Rights Concerns

The expansion of expedited removal and third-country deportations has raised serious concerns among civil liberties groups, lawyers, and immigrant advocates. One major issue is the burden of proof. Migrants must carry documents that show they have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least two years. If they cannot, they may be deported on the spot, with little chance to defend themselves.

There are also worries about due process and the risk of wrongful deportations. Because there is no court hearing unless a credible fear claim is made, people—including U.S. citizens or legal residents who cannot immediately prove their status—could be removed by mistake. Civil rights groups warn that the new rules could lead to racial profiling and other abuses.

Ongoing Legal Battles

Several parts of the new policies are being challenged in federal courts. Lawsuits focus on the legality of third-country deportations and the lack of basic legal protections for those facing removal. While these cases move through the courts, the Supreme Court has allowed the government to keep using the new rules. Lower courts have been told to clarify the standards for removals, especially for vulnerable groups like Venezuelans.

What Immigrants and Families Should Do

Given the speed and scope of these changes, it is important for anyone at risk of deportation to be prepared. Here are some practical steps:

• If Detained:
  • Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately.
  • Clearly state if you fear returning to your home country or any third country.
  • Carry documents that prove at least two years of continuous residence in the United States 🇺🇸.
  • Contact family or legal representatives as soon as possible, since notice of removal may be very short.
• If Facing Third-Country Deportation:
  • Explicitly state any fear of harm or persecution in the third country.
  • Request a credible fear interview if you are afraid.
  • Seek legal help right away, as removals can happen quickly.

Resources for Help

• ICE Detainee Locator:
  Family and legal representatives can use the ICE Detainee Locator to find out where someone is being held.

• National Immigration Law Center (NILC):
  NILC provides updated know-your-rights materials and legal resources for immigrants.

• USAHello and Local Legal Aid Organizations:
  These groups offer information in many languages and can connect people with legal support.

Expert and Stakeholder Views

Immigrant rights groups, such as the National Immigration Law Center and the ACLU, have strongly criticized the new policies. They argue that the rules are unconstitutional and put people at risk of being sent to countries where they could face harm. “The lack of due process and the risk of wrongful deportation are deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson for NILC.

Government officials, on the other hand, defend the changes as necessary for national security and public safety. ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) say the new rules help remove people with criminal records and make use of all available enforcement tools.

Public anxiety has grown in response to these changes. According to recent surveys, 43% of immigrants now worry that they or someone close to them could be deported, up from 33% earlier in the year.

How Third-Country Deportations Work

Under the current policy, ICE can deport someone to a third country if that country agrees to accept them. This can happen even if the person has never lived in that country before. Migrants must clearly state if they fear persecution or harm in the third country, as officers may not ask about this. If they do not speak up, they may be sent away without a chance to explain their situation.

This practice has been especially controversial. Critics say it puts people at risk of being sent to places where they have no support and may face danger. The Supreme Court has allowed third-country deportations to continue while legal challenges are still being decided.

Why Carrying Proof of Residence Matters

Because the burden of proof is now on the migrant, it is essential to carry documents that show at least two years of continuous residence in the United States 🇺🇸. Acceptable documents can include:

• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Utility bills
• School records
• Medical records
• Pay stubs or tax returns

Without these documents, ICE can use expedited removal, and the person may be deported quickly, with little chance to fight the decision.

Civil Liberties and Racial Profiling

The rapid expansion of expedited removal and third-country deportations has led to fears about racial profiling and the erosion of civil liberties. Because ICE and local law enforcement can now detain and remove people anywhere in the country, there is a higher risk that people will be targeted based on their appearance or language.

Advocacy groups warn that even U.S. citizens and legal residents could be caught up in enforcement actions if they cannot immediately prove their status. This has already happened in some cases, leading to calls for better safeguards and oversight.

Military Support and Local Police Involvement

The involvement of the military and local police in immigration enforcement is another new development. With 579 active 287(g) agreements, local officers now play a bigger role in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants. The military’s support gives ICE and CBP more resources to carry out rapid removals.

While government officials say these partnerships improve public safety, critics argue that they blur the line between immigration enforcement and regular policing, making immigrant communities less likely to trust law enforcement.

Legal Challenges and the Road Ahead

Several lawsuits are challenging the legality of the new policies, especially third-country deportations and the lack of court hearings. The Supreme Court has allowed the government to keep using the new rules while the cases are being decided. Lower courts are expected to rule on key questions, such as whether the policies violate due process rights or put vulnerable groups at risk.

Depending on the outcome of these cases, the rules could change again. Executive orders or new laws could also modify or expand current practices.

Summary Table: Expedited Removal and Third-Country Deportation (2025)

What You Can Do Now

• Stay Informed:
  Regularly check the ICE official website for updates on policies and procedures.

• Know Your Rights:
  Review materials from the National Immigration Law Center and other trusted organizations.

• Be Prepared:
  Keep important documents handy and know how to contact a lawyer or legal aid group if needed.

• Speak Up:
  If you are detained, clearly state any fear of return to your home country or a third country.

Looking Forward

The future of expedited removal and third-country deportations depends on court decisions, political changes, and ongoing advocacy. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the legal landscape is shifting, and affected communities should stay alert for new developments. For now, the best defense is preparation—knowing your rights, carrying proof of residence, and seeking legal help as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is at risk, act quickly. The window for action may be very short, but being informed and ready can make a critical difference.

Learn Today

ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for immigration law enforcement and removals.
Expedited Removal → Fast deportation process allowing ICE to remove migrants without court hearings under certain conditions.
Third-Country Deportations → Deporting migrants to countries other than their origin if those countries agree to accept them.
Credible Fear Interview → An interview to determine if a migrant fears persecution that may allow asylum eligibility.
287(g) Agreements → Partnerships where local police assist ICE in identifying and detaining undocumented immigrants.

This Article in a Nutshell

Since January 2025, ICE expanded expedited removal nationwide, allowing deportations without hearings and to third countries. Migrants face rapid removals with limited notice, provoking legal and civil rights concerns from advocates and courts amid record enforcement numbers.
— By VisaVerge.com