When a friend or family member is taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, it can be a deeply stressful and confusing time. The uncertainty about where they are being held—and what steps to take next—can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, ICE provides an official Detainee Locator System that allows you to locate an individual currently detained anywhere in the United States.
This comprehensive guide from Green Card Link explains how to use the ICE Detainee Locator, what to expect from the search process, and key tips from immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to help you navigate detention and support your loved one.
What Is Immigration Detention?
Immigration detention refers to the temporary confinement of individuals by ICE who are suspected of violating U.S. immigration laws. Arrests can take place at home, at work, or even in public spaces such as courthouses.
Typically, a person may be held in an ICE detention facility for reasons including:
- Entering the United States without legal authorization
- Awaiting the outcome of a removal or deportation proceeding
- Having a pending political asylum case
- Receiving a deportation order from an immigration judge
Detention is meant to ensure that individuals appear for immigration court hearings, but it can also prolong separation from family members—making the ICE Detainee Locator an essential resource for finding them quickly.
How to Use the ICE Detainee Locator System
With over 200 ICE detention centers across the country, the ICE Detainee Locator System helps families, friends, and immigration representatives identify where a person 18 years or older is being held.
You can access the system through the official ICE website. Once there, you’ll see options to change the page’s language (English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and more) in the upper left-hand corner—helpful for non-English speakers.
Two Ways to Search
1. By Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Enter the individual’s A-Number (8 or 9 digits) along with their country of birth.
- The A-Number can be found on official immigration documents such as a green card, work permit, visa stamp, or immigrant fee receipt.
- If the number contains fewer than nine digits, add zeros to the beginning.
- ICE recommends using the A-Number for the most accurate search results.
2. By Biographical Information
- If you don’t have access to the A-Number, search using the individual’s first and last name, date of birth, and country of birth.
- If no results appear, try alternate spellings or include hyphens, as ICE databases may list names differently.
Understanding Search Results: “In Custody” vs. “Not in Custody”
If the search result says “In Custody,” the locator will show the specific ICE detention facility where the person is held, along with visiting hours, contact details, and information about the ICE officer managing their case.
If the system shows “Not in Custody,” it means the individual was released or deported within the past 60 days. Because the database may take between 20 minutes and eight hours to update, it’s advisable to check back regularly for updates.
If the detainee is under 18 years old, their information will not appear in the system for privacy reasons. To locate a minor or someone whose details are missing, contact the nearest ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office or call the Detainee Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 1-888-351-4024.
You may also contact local county jails or correctional facilities, as ICE sometimes detains individuals there before transfer. However, be extremely cautious when speaking to immigration officers—avoid discussing your own immigration status or that of the detainee, as this information can be used in immigration proceedings.
Important Privacy and Data Notes
When you use the ICE Detainee Locator, ICE automatically collects basic technical information such as your IP address, domain, and website cookies. According to ICE, this data helps maintain system security and performance. You can review their full privacy policy on the official website for more details.
ICE Detention Centers in the United States
There are hundreds of ICE detention centers across the U.S. You can search for a facility by state, field office, or name directly from the ICE website. Once you confirm that your loved one is “In Custody,” it’s a good idea to call the facility before visiting.
Ask about:
- Whether the person is still being held there
- Visiting hours and identification requirements
- Mailing or phone policies
Because ICE frequently transfers detainees between facilities, you should always confirm their current location before traveling. Bring valid photo identification when visiting, as it will be required to enter the facility.
ICE Locator: Frequently Asked Questions
If your friend or family member has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it can be overwhelming and confusing to know what steps to take. Below are answers to the most common questions about the ICE Detainee Locator System and what to do if someone you care about is in immigration custody.
Why Did ICE Detain My Friend or Relative?
ICE may detain an immigrant for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Being suspected of committing a crime
- Entering the United States unlawfully
- Overstaying a visa
- Having a pending or previous removal order
- Missing an immigration court hearing
Detention does not always mean immediate deportation, but it is crucial to contact an immigration attorney at Green Card Link as soon as possible to understand the next steps and legal options available.
How Current Is the ICE Locator System?
The ICE Detainee Locator System updates information approximately every 20 minutes to eight hours. ICE policy requires that all records be refreshed within eight hours following a detainee’s release, transfer, or removal.
In most cases, updates appear much sooner. However, if you plan to visit someone in detention, always call the facility ahead of time to confirm their current location and visitation hours.
How Can I Check If Someone Has Been Deported?
The ICE Detainee Locator does not show whether a person has been deported—it only shows if they are currently in ICE custody. To confirm if someone has been removed from the United States, a family member or immigration attorney at Green Card Link should contact the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office managing their case. The relevant ERO office can be identified in the locator record. You can also reach out to the office where you believe the case originated.
What If the Locator System Cannot Find the Person?
If your search does not return results, there could be several explanations:
- System delay: The locator may take up to eight hours to update. Contact the facility where the person was first detained to see if they were transferred.
- Spelling or data errors: Input the name exactly as it appears on official identification, such as a passport or birth certificate.
- Wrong search category: Ensure you are entering the A-number or biographical details in the correct section.
- Time lapse: The system only retains information for 60 days after a person’s release.
- Assistance from an embassy: If the individual’s record is unavailable, contact their country’s embassy in the U.S. for help locating them.
How Long Can ICE Hold a Detainee?
When local police detain an immigrant, ICE can request the agency to hold the person for up to 48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) beyond their scheduled release time. During this period, ICE determines whether to assume custody.
If the investigation shows the individual has lawful status, they are released. However, if ICE finds that they entered the country illegally, overstayed a visa, or reentered after removal, they may be transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings.
If ICE fails to take custody within 48 hours, the individual must be released. If you or someone you know is not released after that time, contact immigration attorneys at Green Card Link immediately for legal assistance.
Can I Visit Someone Detained by ICE?
Yes, visitation is allowed for family members, friends, legal representatives, and consular officials. Once you locate the individual through the ICE Detainee Locator, the facility name, contact details, and visitation hours will appear next to their record.
Before visiting, call the facility to confirm that the person is still detained there and to check current COVID-19 visitation policies. Visits can provide vital emotional support, especially during what can be a traumatic and isolating experience.
What Are My Rights If I Am Detained by ICE?
If you are detained, remember that you still have fundamental rights under U.S. law, including:
- The right to a hearing before an immigration judge
- The right to an attorney (though the government does not provide one)
- The right to choose whether to disclose your immigration status
- The right to contact your consulate or family members
- The right to request a bond hearing or ask the judge to lower your bond amount
If you fear being detained or need to assist someone in custody, speak with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link to protect your rights and understand your legal options.
How Do You Get Someone Released from ICE Detention?
In certain cases, a detained immigrant may be eligible for release on bond if ICE determines they are not a security risk. A bond is a payment guaranteeing that the detainee will attend all future immigration hearings.
A judge from the Department of Justice conducts bond hearings, considering factors such as:
- The individual’s immigration history
- Community ties
- Family relationships
- Criminal background
If bond is granted, an eligible sponsor with legal U.S. status and valid identification can post it. If the individual misses a court date, ICE keeps the bond money as a penalty.
If a bond is denied or set too high, you may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help prepare the appeal and represent the detainee during these proceedings.
When Does Deportation Occur?
If an immigrant faces deportation, they must appear before an immigration judge for removal proceedings. The judge can issue a removal order or reinstate a prior one. These cases often take months or even years to resolve, especially if no bond is granted.
In expedited removal cases—usually involving individuals apprehended near the border or those in the U.S. for fewer than 14 days—the deportation process can take as little as two weeks.
Consulting immigration attorneys at Green Card Link ensures your rights are protected throughout the process and helps explore options to delay or prevent removal.
Expedited Removal Explained
Under policies introduced in 2019, ICE can fast-track deportations for certain migrants caught near the border or within 100 miles of it, particularly those who have been in the U.S. for less than two years. These expedited removals significantly limit the opportunity to challenge deportation unless the individual can prove long-term residence or lawful entry.
If you or a loved one face expedited removal, immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can intervene quickly, gather supporting documentation, and advocate for a fair review before an immigration judge.