Life can change in an instant. Imagine getting a phone call that a loved one has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but you have no idea where they are. The uncertainty, fear, and confusion can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do next is crucial. Acting quickly can make a huge difference in protecting your loved one’s rights and ensuring they receive the legal help they need.
At Heitz Immigration Law, we understand how stressful this situation can be. Our experienced legal team is here to help you navigate the immigration system and take action immediately. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Step 1: Use the ICE Detainee Locator Tool
The ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) is the first place to check when trying to locate someone in ICE custody.
Visit locator.ice.gov and enter the detainee’s details using one of the following methods:
- Search by A-Number
An A-Number is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to non-citizens by USCIS or immigration courts.
You’ll also need to enter the detainee’s country of birth.
The A-Number is typically found on immigration paperwork, such as work permits, green cards, or removal orders. - Search by Name and Biographical Information
If you don’t have their A-Number, you can search using:
- First and last name (as it appears on immigration documents)
- Country of birth
- Date of birth
The ODLS supports multiple languages, including Spanish, Creole, Chinese, and French.
Step 2: What If They Don’t Show Up in the Locator?
If the detainee does not appear in the ODLS, they may have been recently transferred or booked into a facility that has not updated its records yet. Here’s what to do next:
- Call the ICE Field Office nearest to where your loved one was last seen. A full list of ICE offices can be found here. https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices
- Contact the detention center directly if you have any leads on their possible location.
- Speak to an immigration attorney who can assist with official inquiries.
Step 3: Contact an Immigration Attorney Immediately
If your loved one has been detained, you need to act fast. A skilled immigration attorney can help:
- Confirm their location and legal status.
- Request their release on bond (if eligible).
- Defend against deportation in court.
- File emergency paperwork to delay or stop removal proceedings.
At Heitz Immigration Law, we specialize in helping families locate and protect their detained loved ones. Call us today for a free consultation: 📞 561-290-0101.
Step 4: Gather Important Documents
To assist with your loved one’s case, you should collect:
- Their full legal name and aliases
- A-Number (if available)
- Any past immigration paperwork (visas, green cards, removal orders, etc.)
- Proof of family ties or residency in the U.S.
Having these documents ready can speed up the legal process and improve their chances of release.
Step 5: Take Immediate Action
The deportation process moves quickly. If your loved one already has a removal order, they could be deported soon. Acting fast can mean the difference between staying in the U.S. or being forced to leave.
- Do not wait – contact an immigration lawyer immediately.
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney first.
- Stay in close contact with your lawyer for updates on their case.
We’re Here to Help
It’s important to understand that ICE is currently moving detainees frequently, often transferring individuals from a local detention center near where they were arrested to facilities in other states. This can make it more challenging for an attorney to represent the detainee locally. However, we are prepared for this situation, we have a wide network of trusted immigration attorneys across the country and can creatively coordinate with reputable colleagues in other states to ensure that the individual continues to have strong legal representation, no matter where they are transferred.
