What is the purpose of the I-247?

The I-247, known as the Immigration Detainer form, serves as an official request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold an individual who is in federal, state, or local custody. This form is specifically used when there is a need to detain and potentially remove individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States or who have violated immigration laws. The form can be particularly applicable to cases involving individuals apprehended for other criminal offenses, including those related to narcotics. By issuing an I-247, ICE notifies law enforcement agencies that they wish to take custody of the individual once their current legal matters are resolved.

Understanding this purpose is crucial in recognizing how law enforcement collaborates with immigration enforcement and the implications for individuals who may be facing charges related to drug offenses or other illegal activities. The form's design emphasizes the focus on immigration status and compliance with immigration laws, making it significant in the context of border security and control efforts.