Emergency Hotlines
United We Dream: 1-844-363-1423 (24/7)
RAICES Family Hotline: 1-833-468-4664
From Detention (FFI): Dial 9233#
I Need Help Right Now
| Situation | What To Do |
|---|---|
| Someone was just arrested | First 24 Hours Guide |
| I need to find someone in custody | Locate a Detainee |
| I lost contact with a detainee | Track Transfers |
| I need to talk to them | Communication Options |
| I need a lawyer | Find Legal Aid |
How to Locate Someone in ICE Custody
Step 1: Gather Information
You will need one of the following:
- A-Number (9 digits starting with "A") - most reliable
- Full legal name + date of birth + country of birth
Where to find the A-Number:
- Work permits (EAD cards)
- Green cards
- I-797 approval notices
- Previous immigration documents
Step 2: Search the ICE Locator
ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
- Website: locator.ice.gov
- Phone: 1-888-351-4024
Important Notes:
- Data may be 8-24 hours behind
- Names must match exactly as entered by officers
- System does NOT show minors (under 18)
- Only shows current detainees or released within 60 days
Step 3: If Not Found
If the locator doesn't find them:
- Wait 24-48 hours - Data entry can be delayed
- Check local jails - They may not yet be transferred to ICE
- Call ICE ERO - Request detention status
- Contact an attorney - They can file official inquiries
Communicating with Your Loved One
Phone Calls
Most detention facilities use contracted phone services:
- Securus Technologies
- GettingOut (GTL)
- ICSolutions
You may need to:
- Set up a prepaid account
- Add your phone number to their approved list
- Accept collect calls
Video Visits
Many facilities offer video visitation:
- Usually requires advance scheduling
- May have fees per session
- Some free legal video visits available
- Send letters to the facility address
- Include the detainee's full name and A-Number
- Avoid sending cash, only money orders
- Letters may be screened/delayed
Emergency Contacts Card
Print this card and keep it in your wallet:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EMERGENCY IMMIGRATION CONTACTS │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ United We Dream 1-844-363-1423 (24/7) │
│ ICE Locator 1-888-351-4024 │
│ EOIR Court Info 1-800-898-7180 │
│ DHS Abuse Hotline 1-800-323-8603 │
│ FFI (from detention) Dial 9233# │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ MY ATTORNEY: _____________________ │
│ MY A-NUMBER: _____________________ │
│ EMERGENCY CONTACT: _______________ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
If You Suspect Abuse
If your loved one reports abuse, mistreatment, or medical neglect:
- Document everything - Dates, times, descriptions
- Report to DHS OIG - 1-800-323-8603
- File CRCL complaint - dhs.gov/file-civil-rights-complaint
- Contact Freedom for Immigrants - Detention hotline
Legal Resources
Find Free Legal Help
- Immigration Advocates Network: immigrationadvocates.org
- CLINIC Legal Directory: cliniclegal.org
- Law school clinics in your area
- Nonprofit legal aid organizations
Important Court Information
- EOIR Automated Hotline: 1-800-898-7180
- Check hearing dates and times
- Verify court location
- Confirm case status
What NOT to Do
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Pay "notarios" claiming to be lawyers | Many are scammers - verify credentials |
| Sign documents you don't understand | Get them translated or reviewed first |
| Believe guarantees of release | No one can guarantee immigration outcomes |
| Give up | Many people win their cases |