Deportation 101
by Michael F. Schulze
Deportation 101 is a practical, no-nonsense guide to how the U.S. immigration system actually works, written by someone who lived through ICE detention and removal. It explains how arrests happen, what detention is really like, which lawyers help and which ones exploit families, and what legal defenses actually exist under current law. This book is designed to give detainees and their families clarity rather than false hope, and to help them fight intelligently when fighting makes sense.
Available in PDF only. Download your PDF copy today for $9.99.
What This Guide Covers
How arrests happen — Understanding the process from initial contact with ICE to formal detention.
What detention is really like — Firsthand perspective on conditions, procedures, and what to expect.
Finding the right legal help — How to identify lawyers who genuinely help versus those who exploit vulnerable families.
Legal defenses that exist — What options are actually available under current U.S. immigration law.
When to fight and when not to — Clarity over false hope, helping you make informed decisions.
Important Disclaimer
This guide provides general information about immigration law based on the author's research and firsthand experience. It is not legal advice. Every case is different. If you or someone you know is facing immigration proceedings, consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
Common Questions About ICE Encounters
Click any question below to read a detailed, factual answer based on current U.S. immigration law.
What are my rights if ICE stops me?
ICE officers have broad authority to stop, question, arrest, and detain individu...
Do I have to answer questions or show ID?
ICE officers are law enforcement officers. Individuals generally have the right ...
Can I stay silent?
Yes. During an ICE encounter, individuals generally have the right to remain sil...
Do I need a lawyer, and can I talk to one?
No, you do not need a lawyer in immigration proceedings. Yes, you are allowed to...
What happens in an ICE detention center?
An ICE detention center is a secure facility where people are held while their i...
Can my family help me or find me?
No and yes. Once ICE arrests a person, family members cannot stop the detention ...
What makes someone deportable (crimes, overstays)?
A person may be deportable for being in the United States without lawful status,...
How can I fight a deportation order?
A deportation order can be challenged only through specific legal processes unde...
How long can they hold me in detention?
There is no single time limit for immigration detention. If a person accepts rem...
What's the difference between detention and deportation?
Detention and deportation are not the same thing. Detention means being held in ...
Official Resources
ICE Detainee Locator
Find someone in ICE custody using the official online tool.
locator.ice.gov →ICE ERO Hotline
Call to locate a detained person or get custody information.
1-888-351-4024Digital PDF
Instant digital download after purchase.
Your PDF will be watermarked with your email for security.
Download link expires 24 hours after purchase.
About the Author
Michael F. Schulze spent two decades studying law in federal prison and developed a level of legal comprehension and writing that few judges and attorneys ever achieve. His firsthand experience inside the federal justice system provides unprecedented insights into judicial misconduct, prison reform, and criminal justice system failures.