People arrested may be put under detention in a jail or an immigration detention centre. Their detention will be reviewed by a senior immigration officer or an immigration adjudicator who may release them under certain terms and conditions. CIC's Enforcement Branch develops the necessary policies and procedures. Adjudicators are decision makers trained in immigration law.
Arrests can occur with or without an immigration warrant.
However, in either case, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms requires CIC officers to inform people of the reason for their arrest and of their right to legal representation. In addition, people arrested or detained can request that CIC notify a representative of their government that they have been arrested or detained. In addition, CIC operates its own minimum-security immigration detention centres in Montreal and Toronto. CIC officers present relevant information to justify the detention. The adjudicator reviews the case and decides if the individual should remain in detention or be released under certain terms and conditions.