How ICE Makes Leaving an Abuser More Difficult

A Utah home went up in flames in July with the entire family inside. An angry husband with a history of violence had set it ablaze, fully intending to die along with his wife and children. The family was from Venezuela, and had endured all manner of abuse from the man, but had not reported it due to fears of being deported. It is one of many cases of abuse that continued to escalate because victims feared seeking assistance that could ultimately lead to being kicked out of the country.

Trepidation Across the Immigrant Community

Fear of seeking help in all kinds of situations has become prevalent in immigrant communities across the country. Recent policies that have impacted victims of domestic abuse include:

• “Sensitive locations”, including hospitals, courthouses, churches, and domestic violence shelters are now unable to restrict access to immigration officers.
• In many jurisdictions local police are working hand-in-hand with ICE. They share information, assist with arrests, and receive reimbursement from the federal government for their assistance. For an immigrant, it means police are no longer viewed as being tasked with serving and protecting.
• New policies relating to federal funding make it harder for organizations serving abused individuals to operate because they must certify immigrants are not receiving help that citizens should be getting, and, in some cases, citizenship must be proved before assistance is given.
• Immigrants who’ve applied for a U visa—those specifically for victims of domestic violence—often have to wait up to 10 years to have their papers processed. Although they are supposed to be protected from deportation while applications are pending, many have been forced out of the country anyway.

There is Still Help Available

Domestic violence hotlines, both local and national, are confidential. Callers can get help understanding options available to them, including help in creating a safety plan. Shelters work to protect those in their care, and require ICE agents to have a warrant signed by a judge in order to enter. Additionally, legal aid is available, and attorney client privilege is still protected for immigrants. In some cases, virtual assistance and remote courts allow victims of domestic violence to stay hidden while accessing services. In some jurisdictions, advocates are calling individuals scheduled for court appearances in domestic violence cases and warning them that ICE agents are present at the courthouse. Rapid response volunteers are informing people of their rights, and more attorneys are making themselves present in the halls of courthouses to ensure the law is followed.

Preventing Further Violence

The dedicated Miami domestic violence attorneys at the Law Office of Julia Kefalinos are committed to helping victims of domestic violence. If you need help, contact our Miami office today for a confidential consultation.

Source:

themarshallproject.org/2025/11/22/women-police-ice-domestic-violence