What is the primary purpose of an immigration detainer issued by ICE?

• A. To deport removable aliens immediately
• B. To notify law enforcement of released aliens
• C. To request custody of removable aliens before their release
• D. To release aliens when no probable cause exists

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of an immigration detainer issued by ICE is to request custody of removable aliens before their release. This detainer serves as a formal request to local law enforcement agencies to notify ICE when an individual who is subject to removal from the United States is about to be released from their custody. By issuing a detainer, ICE seeks to take custody of these individuals to initiate deportation proceedings against them.

This process helps ensure that individuals who have been identified as removable aliens do not slip back into the community before ICE has the chance to act on their immigration status. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities in managing individuals who may pose a risk of reoffending or who are violating immigration laws.

In contrast to the other choices, the focus here is not on immediate deportation, which may not be feasible depending on the case specifics, nor does the detainer serve simply to notify law enforcement without the intent to take custody. It also does not pertain to releasing aliens when insufficient probable cause exists; rather, the detainer is a proactive measure to secure the individual for further legal proceedings.