Forms and notices: what they are
A short dictionary of the papers handed out at detention and in court. Only “what it is,” no advice. Show any of them to an attorney.
Updated July 28, 2026
An ICE warrant is usually administrative, not judicial
A warrant for arrest (form I-200) is signed by an ICE officer, not a judge. Advocacy organizations (ACLU, NILC) explain: such a warrant does not give the right to enter a home without consent — unlike a judicial warrant, which a court judge signs.
You check by the signature: a judicial warrant has a judge’s signature and a court name. You can ask for the document to be shown through a window or slid under the door.
This is a map, not your document. The sections and numbers differ for everyone — check against your own paper.
Common papers
I-862 · Notice to Appear (NTA)
The document with which the government starts a removal case in immigration court. It lists allegations about the person and the charges. It may show the date of the first hearing; if not, the court sends a separate Notice of Hearing.
I-200 · Warrant for Arrest
An administrative ICE warrant for detention (see the box above — it is not judicial).
I-205 · Warrant of Removal
Issued once a final order of removal has already been entered in the case.
I-286 · Notice of Custody Determination
ICE’s decision on whether to keep the person in custody. A bond amount may be stated here, if one was set.
I-220A · Order of Release on Recognizance
Conditional release from custody, with the obligation to attend all hearings and comply with the conditions.
EOIR-33 · Change of Address
The court form to report a new address within 5 business days of moving. Missing this notice is a common reason a person misses a hearing.
We do not interpret your papers and we do not give advice. What a specific document means and what to do about it is determined only by an attorney.
What not to sign →Do not miss a hearing →Glossary of terms: ICE, EOIR, BIA and more →Information updated July 28, 2026. Rules change — check the date.
We are not attorneys and we do not give legal advice. This page has facts and links to official sources only.