How to Find Someone in ICE Detention

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before searching, collect as much of the following as possible:

Most Reliable: A-Number

The A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a 9-digit number starting with "A" that ICE uses to identify individuals.

Where to find it:

[ ] Employment Authorization Document (EAD/work permit)
[ ] Green card (front, under photo)
[ ] I-797 approval notices
[ ] Previous immigration court documents
[ ] Old visa stamps
[ ] Any letter from USCIS or immigration court

Alternative: Biographical Information

If you don't have the A-Number, you'll need:

[ ] Full legal name (exactly as it appears on documents)
[ ] Date of birth
[ ] Country of birth

Important: Names must match EXACTLY how they were entered by the arresting officer. Try variations if the first search fails.

Step 2: Search the ICE Locator

Online Search

ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)

Website: locator.ice.gov
Available: 24/7

How to search:

Go to locator.ice.gov
Choose search method:
- A-Number search (recommended): Enter 9-digit number + country of birth
- Name search: Enter first name, last name, country of birth, and optionally date of birth
Click "Search"
Review results

Phone Search

ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations)

Phone: 1-888-351-4024
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm EST

What to have ready:

A-Number or full name and date of birth
Your relationship to the person
Your contact information

Step 3: Understanding Search Results

If Found

The locator will show:

Current facility name and location
Facility contact information
Detainee's A-Number

What to do next:

Write down the facility information
Call the facility to confirm and ask about:
- Visitation hours and rules
- How to add money to their account
- How to receive calls
- Attorney access procedures

If Not Found

The locator shows "No records found" for several reasons:

Reason	What to Do
Data entry delay	Wait 24-48 hours and search again
In local jail	Call local jails where arrest occurred
Name spelling differs	Try alternate spellings and name variations
Recently transferred	Call ERO at 1-888-351-4024
Minor (under 18)	Contact ORR at 1-800-203-7001
Released	Check if released in past 60 days

Step 4: If Still Not Found

Check Local Jails

Before transfer to ICE custody, people are often held in local jails:

Find local jails near the arrest location
Call each jail and ask if person is in custody
Check county sheriff websites for inmate lookup
Ask about ICE holds - the jail may know if ICE has a detainer

Contact ICE Field Office

Find your local ICE ERO Field Office:

ICE Field Office Locator
Call and request a detention status check
Provide all information you have

Contact an Attorney

Immigration attorneys can:

File formal inquiries with ICE
Access case information through EOIR
Enter a notice of appearance to receive case updates
Visit detention facilities

Find Legal Aid

Step 5: After Locating Your Loved One

Immediate Actions

Contact the facility - Get visitation and communication information
Set up phone account - Most facilities use Securus or GettingOut
Find an attorney - Start looking for legal representation immediately
Gather documents - Start collecting evidence for their case

Important Information to Obtain

[ ] Hearing date and location (if scheduled)
[ ] Bond eligibility and amount (if any)
[ ] Facility rules for visitation
[ ] How to send money
[ ] Attorney visiting hours

Special Situations

Unaccompanied Minors

Children under 18 arrested without a parent are transferred to ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement):

ORR Hotline: 1-800-203-7001
Website: acf.hhs.gov/orr

Family Units

Families may be held together at Family Residential Centers:

Berks Family Residential Center (PA)
South Texas Family Residential Center (TX)
Karnes County Residential Center (TX)

Medical Transfers

If your loved one was hospitalized:

Call the detention facility for information
They may be under guard at a local hospital
Medical transfers are not always updated immediately in ODLS

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I searched but got wrong person"

Verify you have the correct A-Number
There may be multiple people with the same name
Try adding date of birth to narrow results

"Name spelling is wrong in the system"

Officers may misspell names during booking
Try common variations:
- With/without accents (García vs Garcia)
- Maiden name vs married name
- First/middle name order swapped
- Hyphenated vs unhyphenated

"Person was released but I can't find them"

Released individuals appear in ODLS for 60 days
After 60 days, records are removed
Contact last known facility for release date
Check if released to ICE supervision (ankle monitor)

Quick Reference

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│         LOCATE DETAINEE QUICK GUIDE         │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│  ICE DETAINEE LOCATOR:                      │
│  Web: locator.ice.gov                       │
│  Phone: 1-888-351-4024                      │
│                                             │
│  YOU NEED:                                  │
│  □ A-Number (best), OR                      │
│  □ Full name + DOB + Country of birth       │
│                                             │
│  IF NOT FOUND:                              │
│  □ Wait 24-48 hours                         │
│  □ Check local jails                        │
│  □ Try name variations                      │
│  □ Call ICE field office                    │
│  □ Contact attorney                         │
│                                             │
│  MINORS (under 18):                         │
│  ORR Hotline: 1-800-203-7001                │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘