How Long Does ICE Removal Take After Agreeing to Leave? Hungarian Citizen With Valid Passport
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My brother is currently in ICE custody after overstaying his authorized stay in the United States. He is a Hungarian citizen and has been in the U.S. for approximately two years. He has a valid Hungarian/EU passport physically with him, no criminal record, and no pending criminal charges. He told immigration officials that he wants to return to Hungary as soon as possible. He also signed paperwork stating that he agrees to leave the United States and does not intend to fight his removal. Our priority is simply to help him return to Hungary as quickly as possible. He is willing to cooperate fully, and our family is prepared to purchase his plane ticket if ICE allows it. How long can the removal process take after someone signs paperwork agreeing to leave? Could it take a few days, several weeks, more than 30 days, or even longer? Does already having a valid passport significantly speed up the process? Can the family purchase the plane ticket, or does ICE normally arrange the flight? Is there anything I can do from outside the detention facility to help prevent unnecessary delays? Should I contact his ICE deportation officer, the local ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations office, the detention facility, the Hungarian consulate, or an immigration attorney? Is there a specific document or request he should submit while detained to confirm that he wants to leave as soon as legally possible? I understand that voluntary departure, stipulated removal, and other forms of agreed departure may involve different legal processes. I do not yet know the exact name of the paperwork he signed. I also understand that every case is different. I would appreciate hearing from immigration attorneys or families who have experienced a similar situation. Thank you.
