How to Locate a Family Member Detained by ICE: Step‑by‑Step Guide
Key Takeaways
- Start with the ICE Detainee Locator (locator.ice.gov) using the person’s A‑Number, full name, or country of birth.
- Collect identifying info (A‑Number, date of birth, country of birth) before you call or search — it speeds every search and helps attorneys.
- If the online locator shows no results, check local jails, contact the local ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) field office, and notify the person’s consulate.
- Finding a detainee is the first step to hiring counsel, requesting a bond hearing, or arranging release; delays in locating someone can block access to legal help.
- It has been reported that transfers or use of county jails can temporarily obscure a detainee’s location; persistence and documentation matter.
How to find someone detained by ICE
The first tool is the ICE Detainee Locator (https://locator.ice.gov), run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). You can search by Alien Registration Number (A‑Number), full name, or country of birth. ICE’s enforcement arm, ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations), manages custody and transfers; the online system typically lists people in ICE custody and the facility where they are being held.
Information you should have ready
Gather the detainee’s A‑Number (if known), full legal name, date of birth, and country of birth — these reduce search errors and speed up calls to officials. An A‑Number is a unique immigrant identification number assigned by DHS; lawyers and consulates use it to file forms, request records, and schedule hearings. If you don’t have an A‑Number, consular records, arrest paperwork, or prior immigration filings may help you retrieve it.
If the locator shows no results
If the online tool returns no matches, check whether the person was initially detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and possibly held in CBP facilities before transfer, or whether they were booked into a local county jail under contract with ICE. Contact the local ICE ERO field office (phone numbers are listed on the ICE website) and the county jail where the arrest occurred. Notify the detainee’s consulate — consular officials can confirm identity, visit, and assist with locating someone. It has been reported that transfers between facilities and use of county jails can temporarily make a detainee hard to trace, so keep records of dates, arrest locations, and any paperwork.
What this means for families and next steps
Locating a detainee matters because it’s the gateway to legal representation, bond requests, and immigration court appearances. Once you know the facility and A‑Number, contact an immigration attorney or accredited representative immediately — legal aid groups and immigrant rights organizations often maintain rosters of attorneys who accept detained clients. Keep copies of all correspondence and note every attempt to contact authorities; delays in locating a loved one can mean missed hearings or limited access to counsel, which has real consequences for case outcomes and family stability.
Source: Original Article