What is a potential consequence if a law enforcement agency does not honor an immigration detainer?

• A. ICE issues a warning
• B. ICE will not pursue any further action
• C. Officers may conduct at-large arrests
• D. The detainer is considered void

Answer: (C)

When a law enforcement agency does not honor an immigration detainer, a significant consequence is that officers may conduct at-large arrests. This means that if the agency releases an individual without holding them as requested by ICE, the individual may not be taken into custody as planned. Consequently, ICE may have to pursue alternative methods to locate and apprehend the individual, often resulting in at-large operations.

This scenario underscores the importance of an immigration detainer in coordinating between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. An immigration detainer allows for the continuation of custody over an individual who is believed to be in the country unlawfully, thus preventing them from being released back into the community where they may evade further enforcement.

The other options do not accurately reflect the procedures followed by ICE in the event an immigration detainer is not honored. ICE does not typically issue warnings or conclude that the detainer is void, nor does ICE stop pursuing further action entirely, as they continue their immigration enforcement efforts through other means when necessary.