Locating a detained family member

🌐

English Español

If a family member has been detained by ICE, these are the first practical steps to find them and get help. This page is informational, not legal advice.

Find where they are held

• ICE Online Detainee Locator System - search by the person's Alien Registration Number ("A-number") or by name, date of birth, and country of birth: locator.ice.gov. Note: the system generally does not list people under 18, and it can take 24-48 hours for a new detention to appear.
• If you cannot find them, call the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office for the region where they were detained.
• Keep a record of their full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, and A-number if you have it.

Get legal help

• Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC): ilrc.org
• National Immigration Project (NIPNLG): nipnlg.org
• American Immigration Lawyers Association lawyer search: ailalawyer.com
• Look for a local rapid-response network or immigrant-rights coalition in your city; many run 24-hour hotlines.

Know your rights

• Know Your Rights
• Recording Incidents Safely

Document and report the arrest

If you witnessed the arrest or have information about it, help build the public record:

• How to Report an Incident
• Submit an incident report
• Upload photos or video