How to Locate an ICE Detainee: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a family member or loved one is detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), locating them can be an urgent and challenging task. Understanding the official procedures and available resources is crucial for connecting with individuals in ICE custody. This article provides a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of finding an ICE detainee, explaining the tools and methods at your disposal.

PandaLaw.org aims to demystify complex government processes. This guide is designed to provide practical, reliable information on locating an ICE detainee, empowering you with the knowledge needed during a difficult time. Please remember that this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Understanding ICE Detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States. This includes identifying, apprehending, and detaining individuals who are suspected of violating immigration laws or who have received a final order of removal.

Individuals may be detained by ICE for various reasons, such as awaiting immigration court proceedings, after being apprehended at the border, or following an arrest for other violations. Detention is often a temporary measure while immigration cases are processed, but it can sometimes last for extended periods.

ICE detainees are held in a network of facilities across the country. These can include ICE-owned service processing centers, contract detention facilities operated by private companies, or county jails that have intergovernmental service agreements with ICE to house detainees. The specific facility where an individual is held can vary based on their case, available space, and other operational factors.

Using the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)

The primary tool for locating an ICE detainee is the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). This system is maintained by ICE and allows the public to search for individuals aged 18 and older who are currently in ICE custody or who were released from ICE custody within the last 60 days.

To use the ODLS, you will need specific information about the individual you are trying to locate. You can search using one of two methods:

Alien Registration Number (A-Number): This is an eight- or nine-digit number assigned by the Department of Homeland Security to non-citizens. It typically starts with an ‘A’ followed by the digits (e.g., A012345678). If you have the A-number, this is the most reliable way to search.
Biographical Information: If you do not have the A-number, you can search using the individual’s full name, date of birth, and country of birth. It is crucial to enter this information accurately, as even minor discrepancies can prevent a match.

Steps to use the ODLS:

Visit the official ICE Online Detainee Locator System website.
Select your preferred search method (A-Number or Biographical Information).
Enter the required details accurately into the respective fields.
Click the ‘Search’ button.

If a match is found, the system will display the individual’s name, A-number, and the facility where they are currently detained. It may also provide the facility’s contact information.

Limitations of the ODLS

While the ODLS is a valuable tool, it has certain limitations you should be aware of:

New Detentions: It may take several hours or even a few days for information about newly detained individuals to appear in the system.
Transfers: If an individual has recently been transferred between facilities, their location might not be immediately updated.
Age Restriction: The system only provides information for detainees aged 18 and older.
Technical Issues: Like any online system, it can sometimes experience technical difficulties or be temporarily unavailable.

If your search does not yield results, it does not necessarily mean the person is not in ICE custody. It could indicate a delay in updating the system, an error in the information you provided, or that the person is under 18.

Alternative Methods for Locating a Detainee

If the Online Detainee Locator System does not provide the information you need, or if you are looking for a minor, there are other avenues to explore.

Contacting ICE Field Offices

ICE operates numerous field offices across the United States. Each field office oversees specific detention facilities within its geographic area. If you know the general region where the individual was apprehended, contacting the local ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office can be a helpful next step.

You can find a directory of ICE ERO Field Offices on the official ICE website. When you call, be prepared to provide as much identifying information as possible about the individual, such as their full name, date of birth, country of origin, and any known A-number. Explain that you are trying to locate a detainee and have been unsuccessful using the online system.

Tips for contacting field offices:

Call during regular business hours.
Be patient and persistent, as phone lines can be busy.
Have all relevant information ready before you call.

Searching for Detained Minors

The Online Detainee Locator System does not provide information about individuals under the age of 18. If the person you are searching for is a minor, they are typically transferred to the custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

To locate a minor in ORR custody, you can contact the ORR National Call Center for Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) at 1-800-203-7001. This call center assists sponsors and family members in locating and connecting with minors in ORR shelters.

Contacting the Detention Facility Directly

If you have an idea of which detention facility the individual might be in, you can try contacting that facility directly. Contact information for ICE detention facilities is usually available on the ICE website or through a general online search. Be aware that not all facilities will provide information over the phone due to privacy concerns, but it is worth attempting if other methods fail.

Important Considerations and Next Steps

Locating an ICE detainee is often the first step in a longer process. Once you have found the individual, there are several important considerations to keep in mind.

Communicating with the Detainee

Detainees generally have the right to communicate with family members, legal representatives, and consular officials. Each facility will have its own rules regarding visitation, phone calls, and mail. It is important to inquire about these rules directly with the detention facility.

Phone Calls: Detainees can usually make collect calls or use prepaid calling cards.
Visitation: Most facilities allow in-person visits, but schedules and requirements (e.g., valid ID, visitor registration) vary.
Mail: You can typically send letters and sometimes packages, but facilities have strict guidelines on what is permitted.

Legal Representation

Detained individuals have the right to legal representation in immigration proceedings, though this is often at their own expense. Having a qualified immigration attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

If you are assisting a detainee, consider seeking legal counsel from an immigration lawyer. Attorneys can help with bond requests, asylum claims, and other forms of relief from removal. Many non-profit organizations also offer free or low-cost legal services to immigrants.

Privacy and Information Sharing

Due to privacy regulations, detention facilities and ICE officials may be limited in the amount of information they can share with individuals who are not the detainee’s legal representative or immediate family members. Be prepared to verify your relationship to the detainee if asked.

Conclusion

Finding a loved one in ICE custody can be a stressful and confusing experience, but understanding the available resources can make the process more manageable. The Online Detainee Locator System is your primary tool, supplemented by direct contact with ICE field offices or the Office of Refugee Resettlement for minors.

Always aim to gather as much accurate information as possible about the individual before you begin your search. Once located, focus on establishing communication and, if appropriate, seeking legal assistance. By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the system and provide crucial support to the detained individual.

For further assistance or to find legal resources, consider consulting with an immigration attorney or a reputable non-profit legal aid organization specializing in immigration law.