Rhode Island does not have its own EOIR immigration court. Detained respondents at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Central Falls - Rhode Island's only ICE detention facility - fall under the administrative control of the Chelmsford Immigration Court in Massachusetts. Non-detained Rhode Island respondents whose cases originate from the Boston DHS District Office appear before either the Boston or Chelmsford court. The Chelmsford court explicitly maintains a separate docket for detained Rhode Island respondents.
This page explains which court handles Rhode Island cases, how to find hearing information, and what the removal proceeding process looks like from start to finish.
Which Court Handles Rhode Island Immigration Cases
Chelmsford Immigration Court (Wyatt detained cases and Rhode Island detained docket):
150 Apollo Drive, Suite 100
Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
The Chelmsford court has explicit jurisdiction over Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls, Rhode Island. It maintains a dedicated State of Rhode Island detained docket alongside dockets for Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Bond hearings for Wyatt detainees are handled by the Chelmsford court.
Boston Immigration Court (non-detained Rhode Island cases):
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
15 New Sudbury Street, Room 320
Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Non-detained Rhode Island respondents whose cases originate from the Boston DHS District Office may appear before the Boston court.
Always use the EOIR Automated Case Information System at 800-898-7180 or the hearing notice to confirm which court controls a specific case.
How Immigration Court Differs From Criminal Court
Immigration court is a civil proceeding, not a criminal one. Removal proceedings take place before an immigration judge employed by the Department of Justice through the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The government is represented by a DHS attorney from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). The person in proceedings is called the respondent.
Being in removal proceedings is not a criminal charge and does not result in a criminal sentence. The outcome is either a grant of relief that allows the person to remain in the United States in some legal status, or a removal order directing them to leave. There is no jury. There is no public defender equivalent.
The respondent has the right to be represented by an attorney at their own expense. There is no right to a government-appointed attorney in immigration court except in narrow circumstances involving serious mental competency concerns. Not having a free attorney does not mean going without legal help. Legal aid organizations and nonprofits provide free or reduced-cost representation. Resources appear at the end of this page.
A word on notario fraud: in many countries, a notario publico is a licensed legal professional. In the United States, that title has no equivalent legal standing. Notarios, immigration consultants, and non-lawyers cannot represent people in immigration court and cannot legally provide immigration advice. Verify any representative's credentials before paying. Only a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative can appear in immigration court on someone's behalf.
The Removal Proceeding: Step by Step
Step one: The Notice to Appear
A removal proceeding begins when DHS issues a Notice to Appear (NTA). This is the charging document in immigration court. It identifies the grounds for removal and directs the person to appear before an immigration court. The NTA may or may not include a hearing date when served. If it does not, a separate hearing notice will arrive by mail.
Keeping the court and DHS informed of any address change is required by law. If a hearing notice goes to an old address and the respondent does not appear, the immigration judge can issue an in absentia order of removal. That order is very difficult to undo. Use Form EOIR-33 to update the court and separately notify DHS OPLA. Both must be done within five days of any move.
Step two: The Master Calendar Hearing
The first court appearance is a master calendar hearing. These are short administrative sessions where the immigration judge manages the case, confirms the respondent understands the charges and their rights, asks about legal representation, and sets the schedule. Multiple cases are heard in the same session.
At master calendar, the respondent enters a plea to the NTA charges, identifies forms of relief they intend to seek, and establishes a timeline for filing applications and evidence. If the respondent does not have an attorney at the first hearing, they can generally ask for additional time to find one.
Step three: The Individual Hearing
After master calendar, the case moves to an individual hearing, also called a merits hearing. This is the full evidentiary proceeding where the respondent presents their case for relief from removal. The judge hears testimony, receives evidence, and may question the respondent and witnesses. The DHS trial attorney presents the government's case. The judge then issues a decision.
Common forms of relief include asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and voluntary departure. Whether any form of relief is available depends on the specific facts and immigration history of each case.
Step four: Bond Hearings
If a respondent is detained, they may request a bond hearing before an immigration judge. A bond hearing is separate from the removal hearing. The judge determines whether the respondent should be released pending their case, and at what bond amount, based on flight risk and danger to the community.
Not all detained respondents are eligible for a standard bond hearing. Those subject to mandatory detention under federal law do not have that right before an immigration judge. They may seek release through the federal courts via a habeas corpus petition. In April 2026 a Rhode Island federal judge approved a procedure allowing out-of-state lawyers to represent Wyatt detainees, broadening the legal representation landscape at the facility.
For Wyatt detainees, bond hearings are handled by the Chelmsford Immigration Court. Attorney VTC scheduling at Wyatt: videocourt@wyattdetention.com.
Step five: The Decision and Appeal
After the individual hearing, the immigration judge issues a written decision. If relief is granted, the respondent may remain in the United States under the granted status. If removal is ordered, the respondent has the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in Falls Church, Virginia.
A BIA appeal must be filed within 30 calendar days of the immigration judge's decision. Missing that deadline forfeits the right to appeal.
If the BIA affirms the removal order, the respondent may seek review in the federal circuit court. Rhode Island falls within the First Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Puerto Rico. A petition for review must be filed in the First Circuit within 30 days of the BIA's order.
How to Find Hearing Information
EOIR Automated Case Information System: 800-898-7180 (English and Spanish; TDD: 800-828-1120). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online: acis.eoir.justice.gov
Chelmsford Immigration Court (Wyatt detained): 150 Apollo Drive, Suite 100, Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
Boston Immigration Court (non-detained): 15 New Sudbury Street, Room 320, Boston, Massachusetts 02203
Wyatt Detention Center (facility): 950 High Street, Central Falls, RI 02863 | 401-729-1190
Attorney VTC at Wyatt: videocourt@wyattdetention.com
If You Miss a Hearing
Missing an immigration court hearing is one of the most serious events in a removal case. If a respondent does not appear at a scheduled hearing and has been properly notified, the immigration judge will typically issue an in absentia order of removal. An in absentia order can sometimes be reopened, but only in limited circumstances. If a hearing has been missed, contact an immigration attorney immediately.
How Detention Connects to the Court Process
For families with a detained loved one at Wyatt, the InmateAid guide to ICE detention in Rhode Island covers the Wyatt facility in detail - visiting, GettingOut tablets, phone, bond, and money access. The RI General Assembly was considering legislation in May 2026 to ban municipal ICE detention contracts; monitor for updates as this could affect Wyatt's ICE contract.
Legal Resources for Rhode Island Respondents
PAIR Project - pairproject.org | 617-742-9296 | Boston - Primary legal services organization for Wyatt detainees. Provides direct representation and pro bono coordination for the Chelmsford court's Rhode Island docket.
Rhode Island Legal Services - rils.org | 401-274-2652 - Free civil legal services for low-income Rhode Islanders including immigration.
Dorcas International Institute - dorcas.org | 401-784-4776 - Immigration legal services in Providence.
ACLU of Rhode Island - riaclu.org | 401-831-7171 - Monitors conditions at Wyatt and immigration enforcement.
CLINIC Affiliates - cliniclegal.org - Catholic Legal Immigration Network accredited organizations in Rhode Island. Search by ZIP code.
EOIR Free Legal Services List - justice.gov/eoir/free-legal-services-providers - Lists attorneys and organizations for the Chelmsford and Boston courts.
This page provides factual information about the immigration court process as it applies to Rhode Island. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative for advice specific to your situation. Information reflects conditions as of June 2026.
Stay Connected with InmateAid
Reach Your Loved One in Rhode Island
InmateAid helps families stay in touch. Set up discounted calls, send letters and photos, add money, or send approved magazines - all in one place.