The best deportation defense lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Scott D. Pollock & Associates, Sverdloff Law Group and Borjas Law Group for removal proceedings and waivers, Cho Immigration Law and Michael Ibrahim Law Office for hearings and appeals, Gilliam Law on the South Side, and the National Immigrant Justice Center for people who can't pay.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Scott D. Pollock & Associates | The Loop | Removal defense and citizenship | Complex histories and long-term residents |
| 2. Sverdloff Law Group | The Loop | Removal, bond and cancellation of removal | Detained immigrants and long-term residents |
| 3. Borjas Law Group | West Loop | Removal, waivers and crimmigration | People with criminal records |
| 4. Cho Immigration Law | The Loop | Removal defense and BIA appeals | Hearings and appeals |
| 5. Michael Ibrahim Law Office | Near West Side & Pilsen | Removal defense and motions to reopen | People with a prior order |
| 6. Gilliam Law | South Side | Deportation defense and appeals | South Side and western suburbs families |
| 7. National Immigrant Justice Center | The Loop | Detained immigrants and asylum seekers | People who can't pay |
If you've received a Notice to Appear, or if someone has been detained, treat it as urgent. Missing an immigration court date can lead to an order of removal in your absence. The Chicago Immigration Court is at 55 E. Monroe St., Suite 1500. Rules and enforcement priorities change often, so ask a lawyer what applies now.
Established firm that publishes a deportation FAQ.
Scott D. Pollock & Associates has a deportation and removal defense section and an FAQ on the topic, along with work visas and citizenship. Its site is at lawfirm1.com.
Good to know: Bring your full immigration file if you have one.
105 W Madison St, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60602
Covers bond proceedings and cancellation of removal.
Sverdloff Law Group's removal page covers bond proceedings, political asylum, adjustment of status in removal and cancellation of removal for permanent and non-permanent residents. It has offices in the Loop and Northbrook.
Good to know: Ask which forms of relief you might qualify for.
120 S State St, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60603
A firm that addresses the overlap with criminal law.
Borjas Law Group lists removal proceedings, waivers of inadmissibility and crimmigration. If an arrest or conviction is involved, a firm that names that overlap can assess the immigration consequences early.
Good to know: Before any plea in criminal court, ask about immigration consequences.
216 S Jefferson St, Suite 202, Chicago, IL 60661
Removal defense through the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Cho Immigration Law handles removal defense at the immigration court level and in appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals, within a practice that also covers family and business immigration.
Good to know: Appeal deadlines are short, so bring the decision immediately.
111 W Washington St, Suite 1010, Chicago, IL 60602
Appeals and motions to reopen are named practice areas.
Michael Ibrahim Law Office lists removal defense and appeals and motions to reopen, with Spanish-language pages available. The office is on South Blue Island Avenue in Pilsen.
Good to know: Bring the old order and proof of your current address.
1655 S Blue Island Ave, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60608
Represents clients before the court, BIA and ICE.
Gilliam Law handles deportation and re-entry, complex waivers and immigration appeals, and says it represents clients before USCIS, the Chicago Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals and ICE.
Good to know: Bring any record of prior entries or removals.
1904 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
A nonprofit serving detained immigrants, with a court helpdesk.
The National Immigrant Justice Center is a nonprofit that provides legal services to detained immigrants and asylum seekers, and it runs an immigration court helpdesk. It can't take every case, but it's a good first call if you can't afford a lawyer.
Good to know: Keep looking while you wait, since nonprofits have limited capacity.
111 W Jackson Blvd, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60604
Read it, keep it safe and call an immigration lawyer right away. Keep your address up to date with the court, because hearing notices go to the address on file. Don't miss a hearing.
Sometimes. It depends on factors including your history, and on the law at the time. Bond hearings are a specific skill, so ask whether the lawyer handles them. Have the person's full name, A-number and location ready.
In some cases, by a motion to reopen, but strict deadlines usually apply. Bring every prior decision and notice to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Use the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Online Detainee Locator. You'll need the person's A-number and country of birth, or name and country of birth.