If you’ve ever wondered, “What happens if I turn myself in to immigration authorities?” you’re not alone. The idea of surrendering to U.S. immigration authorities can be scary and confusing, but it’s a question that might lead to important solutions for your immigration status.

Every year, thousands of undocumented immigrants consider this decision, often out of fear, misinformation, or emotional pressure. According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), as of March 2025, immigration judges have issued deportation or voluntary departure orders in 47% of completed cases, totaling 207,506 orders.

Additionally, reports from The Times estimate that around 9,000 people have chosen to return to their home countries through the “Project Homecoming” self-deportation program implemented by the current administration.

What many don’t realize is that turning yourself in to immigration authorities can have serious, and sometimes irreversible, consequences. Before making any decision, it’s crucial to understand your rights, the potential risks, and the alternatives available.

This article will help you understand what it means to surrender to immigration authorities, when it might be a valid option, and why having legal support can make all the difference for you and your family.

I Want to Turn Myself In to Immigration Authorities, What Should I Know?

Surrendering to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, means voluntarily reporting to the federal agency that handles immigration enforcement. While this step might seem like a way to fix your immigration status, it’s not, and it comes with serious risks.

The process of turning yourself in to immigration authorities can trigger:

• A detention order
• A deportation proceeding
• Future re-entry bans of up to 10 years

In very specific cases, and only following legal procedures, ideally with expert legal representation, you might qualify for benefits like voluntary departure or release under bond. However, surrendering without proper documentation can close the door to important legal options, such as:

• U Visa applications
• Asylum claims
• Cancellation of removal

Before deciding to go to immigration authorities voluntarily, the most important thing is to know your rights, explore all possible alternatives, and consult a trustworthy immigration lawyer.

What Happens If I Voluntarily Report to Immigration Authorities?

Going to immigration authorities voluntarily without legal status can lead to immediate consequences, including:

• Detention
• Deportation proceedings
• Future re-entry restrictions

The risks of surrendering to immigration authorities while undocumented depend on your immigration history. For example, if you’ve accumulated more than 180 days of unlawful presence, voluntarily reporting yourself to the immigration authorities could trigger a 3- or 10-year re-entry ban under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Additionally, if you already have a prior deportation order, turning yourself in could speed up removal. In the current political climate, and following presidential orders, ICE agents have detained people without criminal records in and around immigration courts. This has sparked a growing concern among civil rights and immigrant rights advocates.

If you or a loved one does not have their immigration paperwork in order, before deciding what to do, you must understand that every case is different. Factors like having U.S.-born children, your immigration history, the country and circumstances from which you emigrated, and family ties in the U.S. can all influence the outcome of your immigration proceedings. That’s why consulting an immigration lawyer before making any decision is essential.

Your Rights If You Decide to Surrender to Immigration Authorities

Even without legal status, you still have important rights if you voluntarily report to immigration authorities:

1. Right to refuse to sign documents you don’t understand
   1. Signing without full comprehension could mean unknowingly waiving your immigration benefits.
2. Right to request a lawyer
   1. While the government doesn’t provide free legal representation for immigration cases, you can:
      1. Hire a private attorney
      2. Seek free legal help from immigrant rights organizations
3. Right to an immigration court hearing
   1. This allows you to present your case and apply for any available relief.

Organizations like Freedom for Immigrants have documented over 800 complaints of abuse motivated by hate of foreigners in detention centers since 2017, including cases where people were pressured into signing documents they didn’t understand.

Knowing your rights and having legal guidance is the best way to protect yourself and your family.

When Might It Be a Good Idea to Turn Yourself In to ICE?

In rare cases, turning yourself in to U.S. immigration authorities could be a strategic move. However, this should always be evaluated with professional legal guidance. Understanding if surrendering yourself or a loved one to ICE is not a trivial matter, and it could impact your family for life. Such impactful decisions should be made after a trustworthy legal team has evaluated and presented you with all your options.

In some cases, it might be strategically beneficial to voluntarily report yourself to Immigration authorities. Here are some scenarios where voluntarily reporting might make sense:

1. People with open immigration cases: If you’re already in deportation proceedings, a voluntary departure, instead of a formal deportation order, might help future immigration applications.

2. VAWA, U Visa, or T Visa applicants: Victims of domestic violence, certain crimes, or human trafficking may qualify for legal protections and certain types of visas or even a green card. In some cases, a well-planned surrender could be part of a larger legal strategy.

3. People with old, unenforced deportation orders: If you have an old order but haven’t been detained, turning yourself in might allow you to negotiate better terms for leaving.

4. Individuals with no criminal record & strong U.S. family ties: A voluntary surrender could be seen as an act of good faith, possibly helping future re-entry applications.

5. Cases where you’re trying to avoid worse consequences: If you’re facing a 10-year re-entry ban, voluntary departure might reduce penalties.

The decision of turning yourself in to immigration authorities should not be taken without proper legal counseling. Your future or that of your loved ones depends on your knowledge of the laws and the immigration proceedings and system.

What Are the Alternatives to Surrendering to Immigration Authorities?

If you’ve thought, “I want to turn myself in to immigration authorities,” it’s important to know that other legal options may be available for you.

Before making such a big decision, explore all alternatives with a trustworthy and successful immigration lawyer. Some possibilities include:

1. Immigration status evaluation: A lawyer might find options you didn’t know about, like adjustment of status or waivers.

2. Immigration relief applications: If you’re a victim of domestic violence, certain crimes, or trafficking, you might qualify for VAWA, U Visa, or T Visa protections.

3. Reopening old deportation orders: If you have a prior order, you may be able to reopen your case, especially if new evidence or changes in law could help you.

4. Defending your case from outside the U.S. In some cases, you can apply for pardons or visas from abroad for legal re-entry.

Over 1 million people are currently in active immigration proceedings in the USA, many without ever surrendering to immigration authorities. Before you turn yourself in, you should understand the consequences and whether there are other possible paths forward.

What to Do After You’ve Voluntarily Report to Immigration Authorities

If you’ve already gone to immigration authorities voluntarily, act quickly and carefully to protect your rights.

1. Get legal help immediately: An immigration lawyer can guide you, prepare your defense, and represent you in court. Your life, future, security, and economic stability might depend on what immigration courts and ICE decide to do after you have been detained.
2. Gather and organize your documents: Collect IDs, entry and exit records, criminal records, if any, birth certificates of U.S.-born children, etc. All these documents will be essential for your defense. Keep the originals secure, and make physical and digital copies.
3. Stay in touch with your lawyer and family: Keep your family informed and maintain open communication with your attorney. Open communication is essential to be able to respond fast if a problem arises.
4. Don’t sign anything you don’t fully understand: Never sign documents without your lawyer’s approval and without fully understanding what it means. It could hurt your case. If you are not fluent in English, ask for a translator.

Even after turning yourself in, understanding your rights and having a clear legal strategy can improve your situation.

6 Common Mistakes When Voluntarily Reporting to Immigration Authorities

Turning yourself in to immigration authorities without proper preparation can lead to costly mistakes. Don’t jeopardize your future; make informed and strategic decisions. Here are the most common errors to avoid:

1. Not bringing copies of your personal documents: Some forms, IDs, or entry records may not be in official systems. Having physical copies helps prevent delays and administrative errors.
2. Answering questions without an interpreter: You have the right to request an interpreter if you don’t fully understand English. This is a universal human right. Enforcing your right to a translator can reduce miscommunication, which could create inconsistencies that are hard to fix later.
3. Failing to update your address with USCIS: Even without legal status, you’re required to keep your address current, using Form AR-11. Updating your address is not the same as turning yourself in to immigration authorities. Your address is used to send court dates and other essential immigration information. Missing notices can lead to missed court dates or deportation orders in absentia.
4. Hiding previous immigration history: If you’ve had prior deportation orders or cases, not disclosing them can be seen as deception and worsen your situation.
5. Missing deadlines for appeals or applications: Many legal actions, like motions to reopen your case, have strict deadlines. Missing them could close important opportunities.
6. Not keeping proof of your voluntary surrender: Always request and save copies of every document you sign or receive, including notices, receipts, or future court dates.

Never sign anything, especially voluntary departure forms or court hearing waivers, without fully understanding it and consulting a lawyer.

Why You Should Consult a Lawyer Before Making This Decision

Speaking with an experienced immigration attorney before turning yourself in to immigration authorities is crucial to understand the consequences, possible alternatives, and the best strategy to follow. A qualified lawyer can help you:

• Understand the full consequences of surrendering to ICE.
• Evaluate your specific situation and identify potential risks.
• Explore alternative legal options to stay in the country that you may not know about.
• Avoid costly mistakes like accepting voluntary departure without realizing it could trigger a 10-year reentry ban.

The U.S. immigration system is extremely complex; one wrong move could jeopardize your entire future. Having expert legal guidance gives you:

• Clear understanding of your options
• Stronger defense strategies
• Better chances of a positive outcome

Don’t risk making irreversible mistakes. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case confidentially with an immigration specialist. Your future is worth protecting.

Make an Informed Decision!

Turning yourself in to immigration authorities is a life-changing choice filled with uncertainty. Before taking action, you should understand all potential risks, know your legal rights, and explore every possible alternative.

At Moumita Rahman — Immigration Lawyers, we provide:

• Spanish-speaking legal guidance
• Personalized case evaluations
• Completely confidential consultations
• Help for all immigration statuses

You don’t have to face these troubling times and complex processes alone.

Deciding whether your best strategy is to turn yourself in to immigration authorities, or not, is one of the most important decisions you need to make in the current political and security climate. Don’t make a decision on a whim, out of fear, anger, or without exploring all the possible options available. Schedule a confidential consultation in English or Spanish today to get honest, respectful, and expert advice about your specific situation and legal options. Contact us now.