<h1>Immigration agency expands detention authority under 1996 law, eliminates bond hearings for illegal border crossers</h1> Immigration enforcement agency has expanded detention authority by invoking a 1996 law to hold individuals who entered the country illegally without allowing bond hearings. The acting director issued a directive making such individuals ineligible for bond hearings before immigration judges, requiring Homeland Security Department exceptions for release. This represents broader use of existing legal authority to detain people previously allowed to remain free during immigration proceedings. The policy affects anyone who crossed borders illegally, potentially impacting long-term residents. Legal challenges are anticipated, with immigration attorneys reporting increased client detentions nationwide.