Kentucky does not have its own EOIR immigration court. All immigration cases involving Kentucky detention facilities fall under the administrative control of the Memphis Immigration Court in Tennessee. The Memphis court specifically lists Kentucky facilities - Boone County, Campbell County, Christian County, Daviess County, Hopkins County, Kenton County, and Oldham County detention centers - in its jurisdiction. Additionally, the Memphis court previously operated the Louisville Immigration Court as a standalone location; that court closed in July 2021, but Louisville remains an active hearing location under Memphis administrative control. In-person filings for the Louisville docket are accepted in Louisville at 601 W. Broadway, Basement Room 3, Louisville, Kentucky 40202.
This page explains how immigration court works for people in Kentucky, how to find case and hearing information, and what the removal proceeding process looks like from start to finish.
Which Court Handles Kentucky Immigration Cases
The Memphis Immigration Court has administrative control over Kentucky immigration cases.
Memphis Immigration Court
Brinkley Plaza
80 Monroe Avenue, Suite G-10
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Louisville Hearing Location (in-person filings accepted here):
601 W. Broadway, Basement Room 3
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Note: Hearing times for the Louisville docket are in Eastern Time unless otherwise indicated on the hearing notice.
The Memphis court covers the Memphis DHS sub-office, which includes Louisville, Kentucky; Tennessee; Arkansas; and Mississippi north of Jackson. For Kentucky respondents, hearings may be conducted in Memphis, or at the Louisville hearing location. The hearing notice will specify the location, time zone, and format (in-person or video teleconference).
The Kentucky detention facilities listed in the Memphis court's jurisdiction include: Boone County Detention Center, Campbell County Detention Center, Christian County Jail (Hopkinsville), Daviess County Detention Center, Hopkins County Jail (Madisonville), Kenton County Detention Center, and Oldham County Detention Center.
Always use the EOIR Automated Case Information System at 800-898-7180 to confirm the current controlling court and hearing location 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. 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.
For Kentucky respondents using the Louisville hearing location, note that hearing times are in Eastern Time. For the Memphis court itself, hearing times are in Central Time. Check the hearing notice carefully for the time zone.
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.
For Kentucky detainees in the Memphis court's jurisdiction, bond hearings are handled by the Memphis court, typically via video teleconference from the detention facility.
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. Kentucky falls within the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. A petition for review must be filed in the Sixth 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
The A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is required to look up case information. It appears on immigration documents and on any EOIR hearing notice.
EOIR court finder by ZIP code: justice.gov/eoir/find-immigration-court-and-access-internet-based-hearings
Memphis Immigration Court (Kentucky cases): Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe Avenue, Suite G-10, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
Louisville Hearing Location (in-person filings): 601 W. Broadway, Basement Room 3, Louisville, Kentucky 40202 - hearing times in Eastern Time
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 the respondent did not receive proper notice, or if exceptional circumstances beyond their control prevented attendance. If a hearing has been missed, contact an immigration attorney immediately.
How Detention Connects to the Court Process
Detention and removal proceedings are separate matters. A person can be in removal proceedings without being detained (non-detained docket), or detained while their case moves through court (detained docket). The detained docket generally moves faster.
Kentucky has seen a significant expansion of ICE detention since 2025, with over 1,000 ICE detainees across multiple county jails statewide as of late 2025. For families with a detained loved one in Kentucky, the InmateAid guide to ICE detention in Kentucky covers all confirmed county jail facilities including Boone County, Grayson County, Hopkins County, Campbell County, Kenton County, Christian County, Oldham County, and Daviess County, including how to locate a detained person, visiting, phone, and money access.
Legal Resources for Kentucky Respondents
Kentucky Equal Justice Center - kyequaljustice.org | 502-614-3490 | Louisville - Statewide civil legal advocacy including immigration.
Legal Aid Society of Louisville - laslou.org | 502-584-1254 - Free civil legal services in the Louisville metro area including immigration matters.
Catholic Charities of Louisville - cclou.org | 502-637-9786 - Immigration legal services in Louisville and central Kentucky.
Appalachian Citizens' Law Center - appalachiancitizenslaw.org | 606-432-1376 | Prestonsburg - Legal services in eastern Kentucky.
CLINIC Affiliates - cliniclegal.org - Catholic Legal Immigration Network accredited organizations in Kentucky. Search by ZIP code.
EOIR Free Legal Services List - justice.gov/eoir/free-legal-services-providers - Lists attorneys and organizations providing free or low-cost representation for the Memphis Immigration Court, which covers Kentucky.
Immigration Court Online Resource (ICOR) - Available through the EOIR website - Self-help materials for respondents navigating proceedings without an attorney.
This page provides factual information about the immigration court process as it applies to Kentucky. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law is complex and individual circumstances vary significantly. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative for advice specific to your situation.
Immigration law and agency policy change. Court jurisdictions, hearing locations, and procedures are subject to change without notice. Always verify current court information using the EOIR Automated Case Information System at 800-898-7180 or at justice.gov/eoir. The information on this page reflects conditions as of June 2026.