Most aliens on ERO’s docket are not detained — but detention is necessary for a subset of individuals to ensure their presence for immigration proceedings, to facilitate removals to their countries of citizenship, and to protect public safety in cases where a alien's criminal history may pose a risk to others.

• In certain cases, ERO is bound by mandatory detention requirements to detain aliens in accordance with U.S. immigration laws.
• Where detention is necessary, ERO ensures the health, safety and well-being of all those in ICE custody. ICE manages the administrative custody of one of the most highly transient and diverse populations of any correctional or detention system in the world.
• The agency leverages a diverse detention network — including private facilities — to ensure all aliens reside in safe, secure and humane environments during their time in ICE custody.