Having a loved one in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody is tough enough, but what’s even more stressful is not knowing where they are being held. ICE offers an online Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainee Locator that allows you (family, friend, or attorney) to find someone in their custody quickly. It provides details on where the person is being held and how to contact them. The system is free to use and available to anyone with an internet connection.
But doing this alone can be overwhelming. Many people don’t know where to begin, and even after the immigration and customs enforcement detainee locator, the next question is, what’s next?
We are here to help you with each step of the process, explaining what to expect and how to take action after locating them in the system.
Speak with one of our immigration attorneys in a free consultation today and get the guidance you need.
What Is the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainee Locator?
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainee Locator is a free online database managed by ICE. It’s available for individuals to locate a detainee in ICE custody or who has been in the custody of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for over 48 hours.
Step-by-Step Process on How to Use the ICE Detainee Locator
Step 1. Visit the official ICE detainee locator page.
Step 2. Choose your search method and fill in the details. ICE gives the option of searching for records of the person in two ways:
- Alien Registration Number (A-Number): Use this option if you know the detainee’s A-Number. The A-Number is a nine-digit unique number assigned to each immigrant upon arrival in the U.S.
- Biographical Information: If you don’t know the person’s A-Number, this option allows you to search using the person’s first and last name, country of birth, and date of birth.
It’s important to fill in the details according to ICE’s requirements.
Step 3. After a security check is passed, the system will show the detention facility and sometimes a contact phone number. You should note that this is only if the detainee is registered in the ICE database or is currently in their custody.
Step 4. Once you know where your loved one is, you can contact the facility, arrange legal help, follow visitation procedures, and start planning for their case.
You need an experienced immigration attorney in your corner during this time to ensure you don’t go through this alone, and also help with any legalities that may arise.
Limitations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detainee Locator
- The Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee locator only includes people currently in ICE custody.
- Recent arrests may not show up right away, as it may take some time.
- The system does not provide case details, only location and custody status.
- Individuals under 18 will not appear in public search results.
Tips to Get Effective Results from the Locator
- Ensure all information is correct, as even minor mistakes, such as hyphen omissions, can hinder your search.
- If the detainee’s A-Number is not up to nine digits, add zeros at the beginning to complete the unique number.
- Don’t panic or give up if the detainee’s location does not come up on the first try. The ICE database is regularly updated, so it may take a while for new detainees to appear in the search results.
Schedule a Consultation with an Experienced Immigration Attorney
Once you’ve found a loved one through the immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee locator, the next step is getting an immigration attorney to help you understand their legal options. At Gireud | Hobbs, we understand the stress and complex legalities involved in dealing with ICE, which is why we help families act quickly.
Schedule a free consultation today with us at Gireud | Hobbs to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let us be the partners you trust to guide you through the process and stand by you every step of the way.
