ICE raids happen suddenly, and they can turn a normal day into chaos. Many get taken, and suddenly, their loved ones are scrambling to find detained immigrants with almost no information.
Keep reading to know what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
What You Should Do Right Away
Stay calm. That will likely be difficult, but you’ll need a clear head to act efficiently.
Here are the things to collect immediately:
- Full legal name, plus nicknames or spelling variations.
- Date of birth and country of birth.
- Exact place and time of the arrest.
- Any badge numbers, vehicle numbers, or officer details you noticed.
- Whether it was ICE, local police, or another agency.
Then look for their A-Number.
If the person has old immigration papers, receipts, or notices, check them. The A-Number is usually 8 or 9 digits, and it will make your search so much easier.
Take screenshots or write everything down.
You’ll use all this information in your search.
Step 1: Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
This is the first place to look when you’re trying to find a detained immigrant.
Search using:
- A-Number or
- Full name + date of birth + country of birth
If the arrest was recent, don’t panic if nothing shows up. CBP and ICE transfers can take up to 48 hours.
Tips:
- Use the exact spelling of the person’s name.
- Try name variations.
- Keep checking every few hours.
If a facility appears, write down the:
- Facility name
- Phone number
- A-Number or Subject ID
Step 2: Call the ICE ERO Field Office
If ODLS shows nothing, or if you want confirmation, call the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office for the area where the arrest occurred.
Ask for the Community Relations Officer (CRO) if the main line won’t help. CROs can assist families directly.
Step 3: Check CBP, BOP, or Local Jails
Not every detained immigrant goes straight into ICE custody.
Here are the different facilities:
CBP custody
If Border Patrol or port-of-entry officers made the arrest, the person may be with CBP first.
CBP usually transfers people to ICE after about 48 hours.
Federal criminal custody
If criminal charges are involved, check the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator.
Local jails in the state or county
Use the local sheriff’s website if you think the arrest involved local police.
Step 4: Once You Find a Facility, Call Them
This is where you confirm everything.
Ask questions like:
- Is the detainee officially there?
- What’s their A-Number or Subject ID?
- How do visits work?
- How do you add money for phone calls or commissary?
- What’s the process for the inmate to speak with a lawyer?
Facilities have different rules, so get the exact details.
Step 5: If You Still Can’t Find Them
You’ve checked ODLS.
You’ve called ERO, still nothing? Here are other tools you can use:
EOIR Case Search (ACIS)
If the person already had an immigration case, check for court dates or transfers.
Hotlines
Organizations like Freedom for Immigrants run hotlines used by families and detainees.
Local advocates
Immigrant-rights groups often track arrests in real time during raids.
Documents You Should Gather Immediately
Bring or prepare:
- Passport or national ID copies
- Any old immigration papers
- Receipts with A-Number
- Notes from eyewitnesses
- Photos or videos of the arrest
- A written timeline of events
These details help lawyers, advocates, and officers track detainees faster.
If You Locate the Person, Do This Next
- Write down the exact A-Number and Subject ID.
- Find a lawyer immediately. Representation changes everything.
- Ask about bond eligibility.
- Follow facility rules for visiting and communication.
- Add funds for calls or commissary if allowed.
Don’t delay, because detention moves quickly.
If They Were Transferred
Transfers happen all the time, sometimes across states.
You should do this:
- Record the transfer date.
- Take screenshots of each update.
- Check EOIR for any new court hearings.
- Call the new facility to confirm visitation and legal access rules.
Important Limits You Should Know
- Not everyone shows up right away in ODLS.
- CBP detention delays updates.
- Some facilities have strict visitation rules.
- No A-Number makes searches harder.
Where to Get Legal and Community Help
You’re not alone, you can use:
- Immigration Advocates Network
- Local legal aid groups
- Freedom for Immigrants hotline
- National Immigration Legal Services Directory
- ImmigrationQuestion.com Attorney Directory
If You Still Can’t Locate the Person, Escalate
There are higher steps:
- File a written inquiry with the local ERO office.
- Contact your U.S. representative. Congressional offices can ask DHS directly.
- Reach out to civil rights groups.
Sometimes escalation is the only way to get answers.
FOIA Requests for Long-Term Tracking
If you need the person’s full immigration history or can’t locate their A-Number, file a FOIA request with DHS/ICE.
This can uncover:
- Transfer records
- Detention history
- A-File document
Avoid scammers who promise to find people for a fee. Stick to official channels and trusted legal groups.
Seek Help at ImmigrationQuestion.com
At ImmigrationQuestion.com, you can access 100+ licensed immigration attorneys who can help you locate your loved one, understand ICE procedures, and get immediate guidance.
You can:
- Join free weekly webinars
- Read educational blogs
- Stay updated with immigration news
- Ask immigration questions FREE
Visit ImmigrationQuestion.com to get help today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start looking for a detained immigrant after an ICE raid?
First, gather key details, such as their full name, date of birth, country of birth, place and time of arrest, and A-Number. Then use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) or call the local ICE ERO field office.
What is an A-Number, and why is it important?
The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique 8–9-digit identifier for every immigrant. It speeds up searches in ODLS, EOIR, and detention systems.
What if the person doesn’t show up in ODLS?
Wait a few hours, especially if the arrest was recent. Then contact the local ICE field office, check CBP if it was at a port of entry, check BOP for criminal charges, local jails, or immigrant advocacy hotlines.
Can I find someone in detention if they were transferred?
ODLS and EOIR may list transfers. Always confirm the new facility and update visitation and legal access plans.
How can I check if someone is in immigration court?
Use the EOIR Automated Case Information System (ACIS) or the Immigration Court Hearing Search. You may need the A-Number to find the case.
Can I visit or communicate with a detainee immediately?
Each facility has rules for visitation, phone calls, and commissary. Call the facility to confirm procedures and the ID or documentation required.
What legal help is available for detainees?
You can contact attorneys via immigration advocate groups or local legal aid. The ImmigrationQuestion.com Attorney Directory gives you access to 100+ licensed attorneys who can help.
