MDC Brooklyn

Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn is a federal detention facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in Brooklyn, New York. Unlike dedicated ICE detention centers, MDC Brooklyn houses a mixed population of federal pretrial detainees, sentenced federal inmates, and, in certain circumstances, individuals held in immigration custody pursuant to agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the U.S. Marshals Service. Immigration detainees may remain at MDC Brooklyn while awaiting immigration proceedings, federal court hearings, transfer to another detention facility, or removal from the United States. Conveniently located in New York City, the facility is accessible by public transportation and is approximately 15 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and 18 miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). A downloadable copy of the MDC Brooklyn Inmate Admission & Orientation Handbook is available on this page for detainees, family members, and attorneys seeking additional information about facility policies, programs, and daily operations.

 

  • New York City Field Office

    The ICE Field Office manages immigration detention and enforcement matters in its jurisdiction. It oversees custody decisions, detention transfers, and certain discretionary releases from ICE custody.

  • New York–Varick Immigration Court

    Immigration Judges oversee removal proceedings, decide immigration cases, and determine eligibility for relief from removal. They also conduct bond hearings for eligible individuals in ICE custody.

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

    Unlike the Immigration Court, the Federal District Court reviews whether the federal government has acted lawfully. It may hear habeas corpus petitions and other federal claims

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

    Circuit Court reviews appeals from decisions made by the Federal District Court.

  • The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, operates the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) Brooklyn. Unlike ICE contract detention facilities, MDC Brooklyn is a federal correctional institution staffed and managed directly by the federal government. The BOP is responsible for the facility's daily operations, security, inmate housing, medical care, and visitation policies.

  • Attorneys may meet with ICE detainees in person or through ICE's Virtual Attorney Visitation Program, subject to facility procedures and scheduling requirements. Family and friends may visit during designated visiting hours in accordance with Bureau of Prisons policies. All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification and comply with the facility's security procedures, dress code, and visitation requirements. A downloadable copy of the MDC Brooklyn Inmate Admission & Orientation Handbook is available on this page for additional information about facility policies and inmate services.

Attorney Visits

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ICE Custody Representation

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Communications with Deportation Officers

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Family Coordination

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Bond Hearings

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Federal Habeas Corpus

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Appeals

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Attorney Visits ✳︎ ICE Custody Representation ✳︎ Communications with Deportation Officers ✳︎ Family Coordination ✳︎ Bond Hearings ✳︎ Federal Habeas Corpus ✳︎ Appeals ✳︎

If retained for an ICE bond request, bond hearing, federal habeas corpus petition, or other representation, the full evaluation fee is credited toward the legal fee.

Immigration Detention Representation

When a family member is detained by ICE, legal decisions often need to be made quickly. I represent detained individuals and work closely with their families throughout the case—from the initial evaluation through bond hearings, detention visits, federal court litigation, and appeals.

✔ New York Attorney
✔ National practice limited to Immigration and Nationality Law
✔ Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Languages: English • Russian • German

Initial Detention Evaluation — from $500 (credited towards representation if retained)
Includes:

Review of the available immigration records.
Review of criminal history (if applicable).
Analysis of the legal basis for ICE detention.
Determination of potential bond eligibility.
Identification of possible mandatory detention issues.
Evaluation of possible release options through ICE.
Preliminary evaluation of potential federal habeas corpus or other federal court claims, where appropriate.
Discussion of the strengths, risks, and available legal options.
Strategy conference with the family.
Guidance on documents and evidence to begin collecting.
Written action plan outlining the recommended next steps.
Attorney Visit — from $750
Administrative Request for Release from ICE Custody — from $750
Bond Hearing — Starting at $2,500 (depending on case complexity)
Federal Habeas Petition — from $3,500

📑 Important Documents to Gather

Before speaking with an attorney, try to collect:

📋 Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if available.

📋 Notice to Appear (NTA) or other immigration documents.

‍📋 Immigration Court paperwork.

📋 Criminal records (if applicable).

📋 Passport or other identity documents.

📋 Prior immigration decisions or orders.

📋 Medical records or documents supporting humanitarian concerns.

📋 Names and contact information of family members or potential sponsors.

🔗 Helpful Resources

🔍 ICE Online Detainee Locator
Locate a family member in ICE custody by name or Alien Registration Number (A-Number).

⚖️ EOIR Automated Case Information
Check Immigration Court hearing dates, case status, and decisions.

🏛 EOIR Immigration Court Directory
Find Immigration Court addresses, phone numbers, and contact information.

📋 EOIR Forms & Self-Help Resources
Access official immigration forms, instructions, and educational materials.

📖 Learn about the rights of individuals in ICE detention and access the ICE National Detainee Handbook (2026).