🔎 Locate Someone Detained by ICE — Official U.S. Government Guide

This page explains how to find a person who may be held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration violations or deportation processes. It includes methods to locate detainees and check court case status. Source: USA.gov.

📍 Use the ICE Detainee Locator System

ICE provides an official tool called the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). You can search by:

  • Full name, country of birth, and birth date
  • 8‑ or 9‑digit Alien Registration Number (A‑Number) from ICE or DHS documents

This locator shows where a person is being held if they are currently in ICE or CBP custody.

📍 Contact ICE or Facility

If the locator doesn’t return results or for additional questions:

  • Contact the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office where you think the person was detained.
  • If you know the specific detention facility, call it directly for current status.

📋 Check Immigration Court Case Status

To see the status of immigration court proceedings, you can:

  • Use the EOIR automated case information system online.
  • Call 1‑800‑898‑7180 to access case info by phone.

📌 What “Detained by ICE” Means

ICE is responsible for civil immigration enforcement. Individuals may be held in custody to ensure they appear at immigration hearings, for removal (deportation), or for public safety reasons under U.S. immigration law.

🧠 Rights & Legal Support Tips

  • Family members should collect important info — full name, date of birth, A‑Number — before using the locator.
  • Seek a qualified immigration attorney to assist with detention or court proceedings.
  • Document gathering (IDs, immigration documents) can help legal representation and court status checks.

💡 Additional Help Resources

  • ICE Online Detainee Locator — official federal search tool.
  • Contact a local legal aid organization for support with immigration detention or bond cases.

⚠️ Important Considerations

ICE enforcement and detention policies can be complex; individuals should not rely solely on informal advice. In recent months, immigration enforcement actions — including detentions — have increased and sometimes drawn public scrutiny.