Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI)
The Office of New Americans supports access to free legal counsel and representation for income-eligible New Jersey residents who are at risk of deportation or are facing deportation or removal proceedings and do not have access to legal counsel. Legal services are provided by community-based legal service providers, including Legal Services of New Jersey, American Friends Service Committee, Rutgers Law School, and Seton Hall Law School.
If you know a NJ resident who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and needs legal support, please complete this DDDI referral form
People who are in ICE custody, or those who want to refer someone in ICE custody but cannot access the online referral form, may also call:
Tuesdays/Thursdays between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m
(American Friends Service Committee – detention hotline)
Mondays between 10:00am - 12:00 p.m. and Fridays between 2:00pm - 4:00 p.m.
(Legal Services of New Jersey – detention hotline)
How to Refer Someone to DDDI
Use this form to refer a New Jerseyan who is detained by ICE, whether they are being held in New Jersey or another state.
A family member, friend, attorney, service provider, or other person can submit a referral on behalf of someone else. The individual who needs legal representation will participate in an intake with a DDDI legal services provider. DDDI providers coordinate legal representation and assess urgency of the cases and legal matters on an ongoing basis to ensure individuals receive support needed.
After a referral is submitted, the DDDI team will work to contact the person who is detained to complete an intake and learn more about their legal needs. The DDDI team reaches out as soon as possible, and is able to conduct an intake within 3–7 business days, although it may take longer depending on the circumstances that may impact access to the individual detained such as access to the detention facility.
DDDI will communicate directly with the person seeking legal services. DDDI cannot provide information or updates about a referral, intake, or legal services to the person who submitted the referral or to family members unless the client gives permission to do so.
Submitting a referral does not guarantee legal representation.
DDDI Referral Form
New Jerseyans Detained by ICE Referral Form/ Referencia de detenidos por ICE de NJ
