Facing Deportation in South Florida? Here’s What You Need to Know

Phillip Brutus

If you’ve received a Notice to Appear or are facing possible removal from the United States, understanding your rights and next steps is critical. Deportation is a serious legal matter, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Brutus Law Group, we help individuals and families in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and across South Florida navigate the complex immigration court system with clarity and confidence. Whether you've been detained by ICE or are awaiting a hearing, fast and informed action can protect your future.


What to Expect After an ICE Arrest

After an ICE arrest, noncitizens are typically issued a Notice to Appear (NTA), signaling the beginning of removal proceedings. This document outlines the government’s reasons for deportation and requires attendance in immigration court. Failing to respond or attend can result in an automatic order of removal. That’s why securing experienced legal counsel as soon as possible is essential.


Common Deportation Defenses

The good news? Deportation isn’t always inevitable. Many people qualify for relief but aren’t aware of it until it’s too late. A deportation defense attorney in South Florida can assess your eligibility for the following defenses:

  • Asylum
    If you fear persecution in your home country due to your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may apply for asylum. Timing is crucial—generally, you must file within one year of arriving in the U.S.
  • Cancellation of Removal
    For those who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and can demonstrate “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” to a qualifying relative, cancellation of removal may allow you to stay and obtain a green card.
  • VAWA Petitions
    Victims of domestic violence who are spouses, children, or parents of abusive U.S. citizens or green card holders can self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), offering a path to lawful status without relying on the abuser.
  • Adjustment of Status
    If you’re eligible through a family-based or employment petition, or other immigration benefit, you may be able to adjust your status and avoid removal.
  • Voluntary Departure
    In some cases, leaving the U.S. voluntarily under court supervision may prevent the long-term consequences of a formal deportation order.

Each of these options requires careful documentation, timely filing, and legal strategy that aligns with your immigration history.


Why You Need an Immigration Lawyer in South Florida

Immigration law is complex, and deportation defense is high-stakes. One misstep—missing a court date, filing late paperwork, or misunderstanding your rights—can cost you the chance to stay in the country. A South Florida deportation defense attorney knows how to prepare, present, and fight for your case. At Brutus Law Group, we appear regularly before the Immigration Court (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), bringing decades of experience to each client we represent.


Local Support. Clear Strategy. Strong Advocacy.

From our offices in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach, we offer bilingual legal services in Haitian Creole, Spanish, and English. We understand the urgency of removal proceedings—and we move quickly to protect your rights, prepare your defense, and keep you informed every step of the way.


Don’t Wait—Get Legal Help Today

Facing deportation is one of the most stressful experiences an immigrant can endure, but with the right help, you don’t have to go through it alone. Brutus Law Group offers trusted, aggressive, and compassionate legal defense for individuals across South Florida.