I don't know what the exact procedure is for deportations when it comes to the US, but shouldn't those who are deported be allowed to take at least some personal belongings with them?
According to their website:
If ICE officials arrest you, there’s no going back — you may not have time to get your affairs in order, gather your belongings, or even say goodbye to the people you care about.
https://www.ice.gov/self-deportationSo most likely you can't retrieved your hardware wallet or anything related to crypto if you are arrested, unless you do self-deportation.
Correct - I couldnt articulate that myself - this is the crux of the issue, you could be picked up,
detained for a period of time without contact with friends/family and just deported. You may or may
not have your belongings [wallet/cash/smartphone/etc] with you when detained. Anyway as I posted in
the OP I was aiming for the discussion to be more about access to your Bitcoin in such events as opposed
to the case of any deportations. I similar event could be while you are an extended holiday in a
different country and are unable to return home due to whatever reasons. I know, I know you
could just "call a friend" and get money transferred to your account.