Otero County Processing Center Immigration Attorney
When a loved one is detained at the Otero County Processing Center, they, and their loved ones, are left scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Detention may happen suddenly, leaving a family in the dark until their loved one simply doesn’t return from work or a trip to the store.
If your family member is being held at the Otero County Processing Center in New Mexico, it’s time to talk to an experienced immigration attorney about what comes next, your loved one’s rights, and your options for release and relief.
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Where is the Otero County Processing Center Located?
The Otero County Processing Center is located in Chaparral, New Mexico, right along the New Mexico-Texas border. It’s just outside El Paso, Texas, which is why the Otero County Processing Center is known as the El Paso Field Office. This location makes the Otero detention facility one of the primary places for detainees from across the Southwest, including those apprehended at the border and those moved from local county jails and detention centers.
Families may see this facility referred to as the Otero County detention facility, the Otero processing center, or the Otero detention facility. It functions as an ICE detention center that sees a high number of detainees with ongoing immigration cases.
What is the Otero County Processing Center?
The Otero County Processing Center is an immigration detention facility maintained by ICE. Individuals being held in this facility are typically in the middle of removal proceedings and may include:
- People apprehended by immigration authorities, either at the border or out in the community
- Individuals transferred from nearby jails
- Asylum seekers waiting for their hearings
- Detainees with prior removal orders
While being held at this center may seem grim, it does not mean that deportation is inevitable. There are legal options available to those who are being held, including being released on bond, asylum, cancellation of removal, and other forms of relief. However, you must work with an attorney experienced in Otero immigration court proceedings who can identify these options and help you explore them.
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What Happens After Someone is Detained
After an individual arrives at the Otero County Processing Center, they go through intake and processing. Prior to finishing intake, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to have any communication with the outside world. During this time, they will be identified, photographed, and placed in a shared room.
Once they have been fully processed, you may be able to locate them via the Online Detainee Locator System. At this point, they may also be able to see visitors. This location has limited visiting hours on weekends, depending on which level the detainee is classified as. Weekday visitation is available when scheduled and approved ahead of time. Attorneys have more leeway in their contact with detainees; attorneys and paralegals can visit their clients every day between 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M.
Families and friends can send mail to loved ones by addressing it to the center and using the last four digits of the detainee’s A-number.
Depending on the nature of the individual’s case, they may spend a long time in the Otero center or they may be transferred to another location after processing. Those who are considered high risk may face faster removal proceedings. In any case, working with an attorney from the beginning is essential if you want to prevent removal and pursue legal status.
How an Immigration Attorney From Immigration Spurgin Can Help at Otero County Processing Center
At Immigration Spurgin, we understand the anxiety and stress that come with finding out that your loved one has been detained by ICE. As soon as you loop us in, we’ll help with locating your loved one and verify their custody status. We’ll also find out which court is handling their case.
From there, we’ll move forward by identifying how best to help your family member. If your loved one is eligible for bond, we will prepare evidence of eligibility and request release. Our team is also there to help represent your loved one in Otero immigration court by pursuing various relief options. Depending on the circumstances, options may include asylum, other forms of humanitarian protection, cancellation of removal, or defense against deportation based on legal errors. We can also handle emergency motions and stays of removal.
Challenges at the Otero Detention Facility
The inconvenient location of the Otero processing center can make visitation difficult, especially for families with young children or elderly family members. Video court hearings can make it difficult for detainees to fully understand what’s going on, particularly without legal guidance. Transfers without advance notice can leave family members unable to stay in touch.
Contact Us Today—You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If your loved one is being held at the Otero processing center, you do not have to help them alone. Find out how we can support you and them during this difficult time. Reach out online or call us at 915-234-1252.
