Which statement is true regarding ICE detainers?

• A. They automatically enforce an arrest
• B. They are legally binding in all jurisdictions
• C. They request local law enforcement to hold an individual
• D. They are a type of criminal arrest warrant

Answer: (C)

The statement that ICE detainers request local law enforcement to hold an individual is accurate because detainers are essentially a request or a notice from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to local or state law enforcement agencies to maintain custody of an individual for a specified period of time, typically for the purpose of investigating their immigration status or pursuing removal proceedings.

This means that when a person is already in custody for another reason (such as a minor violation), ICE can ask local law enforcement to not release them until ICE has had a chance to take action. However, it's essential to note that these detainers are not arrest warrants; rather, they are requests that do not compel local authorities to comply, which can lead to varying practices across jurisdictions.

This clarification highlights the nature of ICE detainers and their role in the immigration enforcement system, emphasizing the relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.