Can Anyone Be Deported in Florida?

Every year, countless people travel to America to reunite with their families, escape destructive situations elsewhere in the world, and seek a better life for themselves. While America is a country built by immigrants, the process of reaching America, obtaining the right to work, and remaining in the country can be challenging and complex.

The immigration journey is fraught with legal perils, including the risk of deportation. Especially in recent years, immigrants face an increased risk of being arrested and deported. New, aggressive immigration policies emphasize identifying and removing anyone from the country who does not meet rigid expectations. In many instances, even prospective citizens who have “followed all the rules” can find themselves facing deportation over minor clerical errors, such as missed paperwork. 

In other instances, even petty infractions are being used as grounds to justify deportation. In some cases, something as seemingly minor as a traffic offense has been used as grounds for deportation under “crimmigration.” In many cases, judges and other officials are looking for any reason to justify deportations as part of a broader political agenda.

If you or a loved one is an immigrant to America and does not have legal protections in place, you could be arrested and deported at any time. Don’t let that happen to you or someone you love. At Jean Law Group , Ruth Jean believes people have the right to come to America safely and seek better futures for themselves without fear of unjust deportation. That’s why if you or a loved one is facing deportation in Miami, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Naples, or anywhere in Florida, it’s vital you contact Jean Law Group, LLC.

What Are My Chances of Detention or Deportation?

Florida has become extremely strict in its enforcement policies in an effort to further bolster its “tough on crime” reputation. In many instances, this means adopting especially confrontational procedures, such as pursuing anti-sanctuary city policies and measures or stationing ICE agents outside of courthouses. Additionally, Florida now requires hospitals that accept Medicaid to ask patients about their immigration status.

If you or a loved one is an immigrant to the United States, it is vital to consult an immigration attorney prior to detention. Having an immigration attorney on your side throughout the process can provide an extra layer of security in the event you or a loved one is detained or faces deportation.

What are Grounds for Deportation?

Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen can be deported at any time. Although there must be grounds for deportation, immigration law is so complex that many people are surprised to learn how easy it is to come into violation of it.

Some common grounds for deportation include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Overstaying a Visa
• Entering the Country Undocumented
• Being Arrested/Convicted of a Crime
• Violating or Failing to Meet the Conditions of a Work Permit
• Immigration Document Fraud

Recent immigration policies mean that enforcement has become especially aggressive. This means that minor infractions or technicalities that may not have attracted as much attention in the past are now being used as grounds for detention and deportation.

In some instances, individuals who are even suspected of having violated immigration policies may find themselves detained and facing deportation. That’s why if you or a loved one has been detained or is concerned about potential deportation, you must contact Jean Law Group today.

What is Crimmigration?

Crimmigration is the intersection of immigration and criminal law. It is a complex area of law that can involve a variety of factors that can potentially complicate the immigration process and impact potential deportation.

Committing violent crimes has always been grounds for deportation under U.S. law. However, in recent years, immigration officials have become laxer in what they consider grounds for detention. For example, in March of 2025, a Honduran immigrant was detained and faced deportation in Georgia following a traffic accident in which he was the victim, simply because he did not have a driver’s license in his possession at the time. Because driving without a license is technically a crime in Georgia, it became grounds for his detention.

This incident reflects a broader trend in crimmigration, in which traffic offenses are being treated with the same gravity as violent crimes. In the first half of 2025 alone, nearly 2,000 people were arrested, detained, and deported on the grounds of “criminal offense” for traffic violations. While facing deportation due to a traffic offense may be challenging, individuals charged with other types of crimes, such as violent offenses or property crimes like theft, face an even harsher crimmigration battle. The same holds true for individuals who have not committed crimes in the U.S. but who were charged or convicted in their home countries. Especially considering many people have come to America from countries with abusive criminal justice systems where obtaining a criminal record is easy, this stigma can pose a hurdle.

Fortunately, crimmigration attorneys have begun to address these new legal hurdles. The field of crimmigration law has rapidly expanded in the last decade, and crimmigration lawyers such as Ruth Jean are ready to face these challenges. If you or a loved one is an immigrant who was charged with a crime and is facing deportation, don’t hesitate to contact a criminal defense and immigration attorney near you. Contact Jean Law Group, LLC today.

Can I Be Deported Even if I’m Married to a U.S. Citizen?

Yes. A common misconception holds that marriage to a U.S. citizen automatically prevents deportation. This is false. Simply marrying a U.S. citizen does not make you a citizen, nor does it stop someone from being detained and deported. However, marriage to a U.S. citizen does come with certain benefits that may offer you protection.

One of these benefits is being able to obtain a Green Card more easily. A Green Card allows immigrants to live and work legally in the United States. Although Green Card holders may still face deportation for certain violations, such as committing a crime, obtaining a Green Card offers both opportunities and certain protections. Marriage to a U.S. citizen allows an immigrant to submit Form I-130, Petition for an Alien Relative, which can ease the immigration process.

What are Defenses to Deportation?

Although immigration enforcement has become more antagonistic in recent years, this does not mean detention leads to automatic deportation. Individuals detained by the police, ICE, or other agencies must still appear before a judge to hear why they have been detained. They must also go through a formal deportation process. During this process, you will have the opportunity to present a defense. This is where an experienced and dedicated immigration attorney or criminal immigration attorney is vital. An experienced immigration attorney knows various defenses, legal strategies, and courtroom tactics to ensure the best outcome for you and your loved ones’ case. Ruth Jean has extensive experience in protecting immigrants and their families and staging successful defenses before a judge. There are multiple defenses available depending on the precise circumstances of your case. During an initial consultation, Ruth will go over your case with you or your loved ones and determine the best and most vigorous defense.

A common approach is to challenge the government’s case. Especially in recent years, when large numbers of people have been detained in so-called ‘sweeps,’ this can be an effective strategy. Oftentimes, the government relies on detainees who do not have the legal experience necessary to challenge incorrect procedures or unlawful allegations. Agents often rely on immigrants simply accepting that they will be deported. Depending on the circumstances, merely challenging your case can lead to a dismissal. It is not unheard of for prosecutors to drop “lesser” charges when challenged, because they don’t consider it worth their time.

If you are a green card holder who has lived in the country for at least ten years, you can challenge deportation by filing for a cancellation of removal. To qualify, you must not have committed any crimes and be of “good moral character.” You must also demonstrate that your deportation would pose “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or their spouse, parent, or child.

Under some circumstances, you may apply for an adjustment of status. This procedure allows you to seek and obtain a green card during removal proceedings by applying through a qualifying family member, employer, or, depending on your circumstances, a humanitarian program. Not everyone who faces deportation qualifies for adjustment of status. An experienced immigration attorney such as Ruth Jean can review your case and determine if you’re eligible.

Seeking asylum is another potential defense. The United States has laws in place to prevent immigrants from being returned to countries where they may face torture, imprisonment, or execution. Some of these protections are outlined under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). An experienced immigration attorney can review your case and determine if your circumstances qualify you for asylum.

These are only a few potential defenses. New immigration enforcement policies mean that defending against deportation involves a complex and evolving legal strategy. Many people who have been detained attempt to represent themselves before judges, hoping for “the mercy of the court.” In today’s political environment, many Florida judges seek to bolster their reputations as having “zero tolerance for illegal immigration.” This desire often translates into especially harsh courtroom decisions regarding deportation. That’s why if you or a loved one has been detained, fear you may be detained, or is facing deportation, you must contact Jean Law Group, LLC today.

What Should I Do if I Need an Immigration Attorney in Florida?

America offers numerous opportunities for immigrants to reunite with their families in a safer environment that affords them fresh opportunities. Immigration laws and procedures are in place to aid this process. However, the current political environment has made immigration a fraught topic, and immigration agencies have become especially harsh in detentions and deportations. Most people being detained have not committed any crimes and have spent their time in America obeying the law, working hard, and caring for their families.

No one deserves to be arrested and separated from their loved ones and their life in the name of politics. If you or a loved one has been detained or is facing deportation, or if you believe you may be detained, don’t hesitate to contact Ruth Jean at Jean Law Group, LLC. Ruth Jean believes all immigrants have the right to safe and happy lives in the United States, free from unjust detention. She’ll review your case with you and your family and custom-tailor a unique immigration defense for you. Don’t take chances. If you or a loved one is an immigrant concerned about detention or deportation, contact Jean Law Group, LLC right now at 954-951-8773 to schedule a consultation.