Gracie Johnson Law · Compton, CA

Aggressive Deportation Defense in Los Angeles

Aggressive representation in immigration court. ICE hold assistance.

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CA Bar #276536 VerifiedCertified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of CaliforniaLicensed CA attorney, not a notario

Attorney Gracie Johnson, immigration attorney, Compton CA

Atty. Gracie Johnson

Serving LA County, USCIS and Immigration Court

Family, DACA, Deportation, Asylum, Citizenship

Call to schedule an initial consultation

We respond the same business day

Facing deportation or detention? Call NOW, time is critical.

(310) 554-4630

Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536

If you or a family member received a Notice to Appear, an ICE hold, or a removal order, you need an attorney immediately. Attorney Gracie Johnson represents families across Compton and South Los Angeles in immigration court, fighting to keep families together. Time is critical, every day without legal representation puts your case at risk.

From Attorney Gracie Johnson

Deportation defense is the most urgent work I do. When a family calls me because their father or spouse was detained by ICE, I know every hour matters. In over 15 years of practice, I have seen what happens when families wait, and I have seen what we can do when they call immediately. If you received a Notice to Appear or ICE has detained someone you love, do not wait to get counsel. Call me today.

Common Questions

What Is Deportation Defense?

Deportation defense is legal representation in removal proceedings before an immigration judge. When the government believes you should be removed from the United States, they file a Notice to Appear (NTA) and place you in removal proceedings. From that moment, you have the right to be represented by an attorney. Without one, you face the immigration court system alone.

How Gracie Johnson Law Fights for You

Bond Hearings

When someone is detained by ICE, the first step is often a bond hearing before an immigration judge. Gracie Johnson files bond motions quickly and argues for release so your family member can come home while the case is pending.

Cancellation of Removal

If you have lived in the United States for 10 or more years, have good moral character, and have a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child who would suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship if you were removed, you may qualify for cancellation of removal. This is one of the most powerful defenses available and requires a skilled attorney to present properly.

Withholding of Removal

If you cannot safely return to your home country because of a threat to your life or freedom based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, you may qualify for withholding of removal even if you are ineligible for asylum.

Convention Against Torture (CAT) Protection

If you face a substantial risk of being tortured by or with the consent of your home country's government if removed, you may qualify for CAT protection. This applies even with a criminal record that bars other forms of relief.

Asylum as a Defense

If you are in removal proceedings and have not yet applied for asylum, you may still be able to apply as a defense before an immigration judge. There are strict deadlines, do not wait to consult an attorney.

Voluntary Departure

In cases where other defenses are not available, negotiating voluntary departure allows you to leave the United States on your own terms and avoid a formal removal order on your record, which affects future immigration applications.

What To Do If ICE Comes to Your Home

Knowing your rights before an ICE encounter can change the outcome. Here is what every family in Compton and South LA needs to know.

1
Do not open the door. ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give them the right to enter. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a window. If it is not signed by a judge, do not open the door.
2
Stay calm and do not run. Running or resisting can be used against you and can result in additional charges.
3
Do not sign anything. Do not sign any documents without speaking to an attorney first. Signing certain forms can mean you are agreeing to voluntary deportation.
4
Exercise your right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States. You can say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to an attorney."
5
Call an attorney immediately. Call Gracie Johnson Law at (310) 554-4630.

What To Do If a Family Member Is Detained

1
Find out where they are being held. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator at locator.ice.gov using their name, country of birth, and date of birth.
2
Do not make any decisions without an attorney. Do not agree to voluntary deportation. Do not waive any rights.
3
Gather their immigration documents. Find any green cards, work permits, DACA approvals, visas, or immigration court notices.
4
Call Gracie Johnson Law immediately at (310) 554-4630. We handle emergency detention cases and can move quickly on bond hearings.

California Protections for Immigrants in 2026

California law limits when and how local police and sheriff departments can cooperate with ICE. Under California law, local law enforcement generally cannot arrest someone solely based on immigration status, cannot hold someone in jail solely for ICE, and cannot participate in ICE enforcement operations without specific authorization. These protections do not prevent federal ICE agents from operating in California, but they do limit local cooperation. Knowing these protections is important for every family in Compton, Watts, Lynwood, Carson, and throughout South LA.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Notice to Appear (NTA) starts removal proceedings, it means the government is beginning the process but you have not yet been ordered removed. A removal order is issued by an immigration judge after the case is heard. If you received an NTA, you have time to get an attorney and fight your case. If you already have a removal order, call us immediately, options may still exist.

Having U.S. citizen children does not automatically protect you from deportation, but it is a critical factor in your case. If your removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen child, you may qualify for cancellation of removal. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation.

If you miss your hearing, the judge will likely issue an in absentia removal order. This is serious but not always permanent, you may be able to file a motion to reopen your case. Contact an attorney immediately.

Yes, in many cases. The type of offense, when it occurred, and how it was resolved all matter. Some forms of relief are available even with a criminal history. Do not assume you have no options, call us and let us evaluate your case.

Every case is different. Gracie Johnson Law offers initial consultations so we can understand your situation and give you an honest assessment of your options and fees.

¿Enfrentando Deportación en Compton? Llama Ahora.

Si tú o un familiar recibió una Notificación de Comparecencia, está detenido por ICE, o tiene una orden de deportación, no esperes. La abogada Gracie Johnson representa a familias en Compton y todo el Sur de Los Ángeles en la corte de inmigración. Hablamos español, sin intérpretes, sin barreras. Llama ahora al (310) 554-4630.

Llama Ahora (310) 554-4630

Areas We Serve

Gracie Johnson Law serves clients throughout South Los Angeles and the surrounding communities.

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