ICE Check-In Appointments: What You Need to Know
What is an ICE check-in?
If you entered the U.S. and were released from immigration custody, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may require you to attend regular check-in appointments. These are meetings where you report to an ICE officer to provide updates on your case and review your status in the country.
ICE check-ins are mandatory unless you have received official confirmation of a cancellation or reschedule.
If you can’t attend or don’t feel comfortable going, you might have the option to reschedule your appointment online.
What to Do If You Have an Upcoming ICE Check-In
If you have a scheduled check-in with ICE, it’s essential to understand your rights and options. Whether you have a court hearing scheduled or not, this guide will help you navigate the safest possible path.
Can I Reschedule My ICE Check-In?
Yes — if you don’t feel safe attending in person, you can try to reschedule your appointment. There are two main options, depending on whether you have access to your ICE Subject ID.
Option 1: Reschedule Online at ICE.gov
You may be able to reschedule your appointment online through the official ICE website:
https://www.ice.gov/check-in
To do this, you will need your ICE Subject ID — a specific number assigned to your immigration case. It appears on ICE documents and looks like this:
⚠️ Important: Many people do not have their Subject ID, and without it, online rescheduling is not possible.
Option 2: Call Your Local ICE Office
If you don’t have your Subject ID, you can try calling your local ICE office to request a reschedule.
However, our legal team notes that this option is extremely difficult in practice. Most calls go unanswered, and getting through to someone is often not possible.
What Happens If You Don’t Go to Your Check-In — and You Have a Court Hearing Scheduled?
If you already have a hearing set in immigration court (Master or Individual):
ICE may ask the judge to dismiss your case faster, especially if you miss your check-in without explanation.
However, ICE cannot deport you directly. They must still attend court and request a removal order from the judge.
What Happens If You Don’t Go — and You Do NOT Have a Court Hearing Scheduled?
This applies to people who:
Have already received a removal order
Had their case denied
Do not currently have any hearing scheduled
In these cases, you must be extremely cautious.
If you attend your check-in, there is a high chance you could be detained.
If you don’t go to your ICE check-in:
ICE may come to your home to search for you.
In that case, here are quick tips to remember:
Stay calm
Do not open the door
Ask if they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge
If they don’t, you are not required to let them in
You have the right to remain silent
Final Reminder
These are not easy decisions, and each case is different. We share this information to help you make the safest possible choice based on your situation.
Need Legal Help?
Join our free legal consultations every Thursday at 12 PM (New York time).
You’ll receive guidance from immigration attorneys and have the chance to ask your questions.