Does Alaska have an immigrant court?
Although there are 74 immigration courts nationwide, Alaska does not have its own immigration court.
For this reason, all Alaska cases are primarily heard in the Seattle Immigration Court or Portland Immigration Court, depending on whether you are detained.
How do I know where my case is?
You can find your hearing and court location and other important information on the Notice to Appear (NTA).
The NTA is the formal document that sets forth the factual and legal basis for the Government wanting to remove (i.e., deport) you from the United States.
If you have not received an NTA, then U.S. immigration officials may not have filed your case with the court. In that case, you should check the online Automated Case Information System (ACIS).
To log in, you will need to input your “A-number,” which you can find on all DHS correspondence.
How can I contact the right immigration court?
You can email the Seattle Immigration Court at [email protected].
You can contact the Portland Immigration Court at [email protected].
Can I appear for my hearing remotely?
Maybe.
The immigration court may conduct removal hearings
- In person
- Video conference
- Telephone conference
Remote appearances, in other words, are not automatic. The court will specify the form of the hearing (i.e., in person, video, or phone) in your NTA or other hearing notice.
Every case is different, but many immigration judges will require pro se non-citizens (i.e., individuals without attorneys) to appear in person.
When in doubt, contact court directly. You can also file a motion to appear remotely if the court schedules the hearing in person.
Can I attend my spouse or other family member's hearing?
Yes.
Immigration court hearings are open to the public. There are limited exceptions, such as evidentiary hearings regarding claims for asylum and other specialized hearings.
You do not have to notify the court in advance that you plan to attend.
What should I bring to Court with me?
To enter the building, you will need to pass through a security screening procedure (like at the airport). You will need a valid driver's license or U.S. government state identification card.
You cannot bring any cameras or video recording equipment. And you cannot record courtroom proceedings using an iPhone or other mobile device.
My spouse got picked up by ICE. Is there an ICE facility in Alaska?
Alaska's detention center is in Anchorage.
Address
Anchorage Correctional Complex
1400 East Fourth Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99501
(907) 269-4100
To confirm whether your family or loved one is at this facility, you can contact call the facility between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. You will need the detainee's full name, any aliases, DOB, and country of birth.
