Wisconsin does not have its own EOIR immigration court. All immigration cases originating in Wisconsin - both detained and non-detained - fall under the administrative control of the Chicago Immigration Court in Illinois. The Chicago court explicitly covers the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and several specific Wisconsin county facilities. Wisconsin has seen significant ICE detention expansion since July 2025, when Brown County, Ozaukee County, and Sauk County signed new IGSA agreements with ICE in addition to the pre-existing Dodge County Jail and Kenosha County Detention Center.
Wisconsin federal courts have been notable for ruling in favor of detainees on habeas corpus petitions - over half the time - and as of March 2026, Dodge County detainees were receiving bond eligibility notices and Milwaukee-area attorneys were getting bond hearings scheduled again.
This page explains which court handles Wisconsin cases, how to find hearing information, and what the removal proceeding process looks like from start to finish.
Which Court Handles Wisconsin Immigration Cases
Chicago Immigration Court
55 E. Monroe Street, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois 60603
The Chicago court covers the Chicago DHS District Office, including sub-offices, the Illinois DOC, the Indiana DOC, and the Wisconsin DOC. Specific Wisconsin facilities explicitly listed include Dodge County Detention Facility and the Bureau of Prisons Oxford, Wisconsin. The Chicago court handles both the detained and non-detained dockets for Wisconsin cases. Hearings at Dodge County are conducted by video teleconference or at the Dodge County facility directly.
The Milwaukee ERO sub-office (310 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | 414-287-6351 | Monday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM) is the in-state bond posting location for Wisconsin detainees.
Always use the EOIR Automated Case Information System at 800-898-7180 to confirm the controlling court and hearing format for any 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. Use Form EOIR-33 to update the court and separately notify DHS OPLA 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.
Step three: The Individual Hearing
After master calendar, the case moves to an individual hearing, also called a merits hearing. The immigration judge hears testimony, receives evidence, and may question the respondent and witnesses. Common forms of relief include asylum, withholding of removal, protection under the Convention Against Torture, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, and voluntary departure.
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.
Wisconsin has been a significant site for federal habeas corpus litigation. After the July 2025 policy eliminated standard bond hearings for most interior detainees, Wisconsin federal courts ruled for detainees more than half the time on habeas petitions - a higher success rate than most states. As of March 2026, Dodge County detainees were receiving bond eligibility notices and hearings were being scheduled again. Contact an immigration attorney immediately to determine bond hearing eligibility. Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) in Madison (cilcmadison.org, 608-661-4070) is the primary resource for Dodge County bond matters.
Bond posts at the Milwaukee ERO: 310 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | 414-287-6351 | Monday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM.
Step five: The Decision and Appeal
After the individual hearing, the immigration judge issues a written decision. If removal is ordered, the respondent has the right to appeal to the BIA within 30 calendar days. Wisconsin falls within the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. A petition for review must be filed in the Seventh 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. Online: acis.eoir.justice.gov
Chicago Immigration Court (all Wisconsin cases): 55 E. Monroe Street, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60603
Milwaukee ERO (bond): 310 East Knapp Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | 414-287-6351 | Monday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM
Dodge County Jail: 141 N. Main Street, Juneau, WI 53039 | 920-386-3743
Kenosha County Detention Center: 4777 88th Avenue, Kenosha, WI 53144 | 262-605-5800
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 and has been properly notified, the immigration judge will typically issue an in absentia order of removal. If a hearing has been missed, contact an immigration attorney immediately.
How Detention Connects to the Court Process
Wisconsin has six confirmed ICE detention facilities: Dodge County Jail (Juneau), Kenosha County Detention Center, Brown County Jail (Green Bay), Ozaukee County Jail (Port Washington), Sauk County Jail (Baraboo), and Douglas County Jail (Superior). Brown, Ozaukee, and Sauk signed new IGSA agreements in July 2025. Douglas County in Superior is notable - 60% of people passing through there were arrested in Minnesota.
Dodge County attorney visits: anytime, call ahead at 920-386-3743. Kenosha attorney visits: daily 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
For families with a detained loved one in Wisconsin, the InmateAid guide to ICE detention in Wisconsin covers all six facilities in detail.
Legal Resources for Wisconsin Respondents
Community Immigration Law Center (CILC) - cilcmadison.org | 608-661-4070 | Madison - Primary immigration legal services organization for Wisconsin. Active in Dodge County habeas and bond proceedings. Essential contact for any Wisconsin ICE detention matter.
ACLU of Wisconsin - aclu-wi.org | 414-272-4032 - Monitors IGSA agreements and ICE detention conditions in Wisconsin.
Legal Action of Wisconsin - legalaction.org | 414-278-7722 | Milwaukee - Free civil legal services including immigration.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Madison and Diocese of Milwaukee - 608-826-5490 and 414-771-2881 - Immigration legal services.
CLINIC Affiliates - cliniclegal.org - Search by ZIP code.
EOIR Free Legal Services List - justice.gov/eoir/free-legal-services-providers
This page provides factual information about the immigration court process as it applies to Wisconsin. It is not legal advice. Information reflects conditions as of June 2026.
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