VOICE Roundtable: What ICE Enforcement Means for You
On October 20, 2026, DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar spoke at a VOICE roundtable attended by eight families who lost relatives to crimes by undocumented immigrants. The administration's message was direct: anyone in the US without legal status is a target for arrest and deportation. For immigrants in removal proceedings or with outstanding orders, the enforcement pressure is real and the legal deadlines are short.
What if you are undocumented and wondering whether the government's latest enforcement push affects you directly? The short answer: yes, it does — and here is what you need to know right now.
On October 20, 2026, DHS Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar spoke at a roundtable organized by VOICE — the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement office. Eight families who lost relatives to crimes committed by undocumented individuals attended the event. VOICE Executive Director Joe Abraham, whose daughter was killed by an undocumented person, hosted the session. The stated goal was to gather feedback from these families and improve how the government supports them.
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What VOICE means for enforcement
VOICE was first created during President Trump's first term. The Biden administration closed it in 2021. It reopened in April 2025. The office works directly with DHS and ICE. Its public mission is to support crime victims — but its political function is to build pressure for aggressive removal of undocumented immigrants. At the roundtable, Abraham quoted the administration's position plainly: if you are here without legal status, the government intends to find you, arrest you, and deport you. As of October 1, 2026, ICE charges $5,300 to process an arrest of an inadmissible alien or a removal in absentia case — a fee that signals how institutionalized this enforcement machinery has become.
For immigrants currently in removal proceedings, this political climate matters. ICE has broad authority to arrest people who have final orders of removal or who are undocumented. If you missed a court date, a removal in absentia order may already exist against you. You have 90 days from the date of that order to file a Motion to Reopen your case — but that window closes fast. If you received a removal order and want to appeal, the deadline to file with the Board of Immigration Appeals is 30 days from the order date.
What to do
- If you have a removal order — even an old one — contact an immigration lawyer immediately. A Motion to Reopen must be filed within 90 days of the order; after that, options narrow sharply.
- If you want to appeal a removal order to the Board of Immigration Appeals, you have 30 days from the order date. Do not wait.
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents before consulting a lawyer.
- If you are at risk of deportation and need more time to prepare, ask your attorney about filing Form I-246 (a Stay of Deportation request) — the filing fee is $155.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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If you have a final order of removal, you have a 90-day window to file a Motion to Reopen your case — and a 30-day window to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Missing either deadline does not mean all options are gone, but it makes the path significantly harder and more expensive. In a high-enforcement climate like this one, waiting is the worst strategy — consult an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VOICE and why does it matter to immigrants?
VOICE stands for Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement. It is a DHS office that supports families of people killed or harmed by undocumented immigrants. Politically, it is used to justify aggressive ICE enforcement. Its reopening in 2025 signals that the current administration treats deportation as a top priority.
I missed my immigration court date. What happens now?
If you missed your hearing, the judge likely issued a removal order in absentia — meaning without you present. You have 90 days from that order to file a Motion to Reopen your case. After 90 days, the options become much more limited. Contact an immigration lawyer right away.
Can ICE arrest me at home or at work?
Yes. ICE can arrest undocumented individuals in most locations, including homes and workplaces. If ICE comes to your door, you are not required to open it unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney.
What is a Stay of Deportation and how do I get one?
A Stay of Deportation is a temporary pause on your removal. You apply using Form I-246. As of October 1, 2026, the filing fee is $155. It does not guarantee you will stay — ICE can deny it — but it can buy time while you pursue other legal options. An immigration attorney can help you decide if it applies to your situation.