When a loved one is detained by immigration, the uncertainty can be distressing. Many people do not know where their family members are, nor how to communicate with them. If you or someone you know is going through this situation, this guide can help you.

Step 1: Use the ICE detainee locator

The first place you can look is the ICE locator system. You can do the search in two ways:

• With the number A (starts with the letter “A” and has 9 digits)
• With the full name and country of birth

Important: If the name was misspelled by the authorities, you may need to try several combinations (first and last name inverted, spelling errors). Note: minors, survivors of certain crimes (T or U visa), or newly detained individuals might not yet appear in the system.

Step 2: Contact your local ICE office

If it doesn't appear in the system, you can contact by phone or email the ICE field office corresponding to your area. This office is called Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Advice: If you manage to speak with someone, write down the name of the officer who assists you and save everything they share with you. If they don't answer, try several times a day.

Step 3: Check if he is in a federal prison

Since 2025, ICE has also been using federal prisons to detain people with immigration cases. You can search for your family member in the BOP Inmate Locator System. If it doesn't appear there, try calling the prison closest to the arrest location directly.

Step 4: Contact the consulate (with caution)

In many cases, detained individuals have the right to speak with the consulate of their country. You can contact them to find out if they have information about your family member. Warning: If your loved one fears their government or is seeking asylum, do not contact the consulate. You could put them at risk.

Step 5: What if he was sent to Guantanamo?

In very extreme situations, ICE has sent detained individuals to the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. If you think your family member might be there, you can contact the government's legal office responsible for the site:

ICE Guantánamo Bay Legal Division

Email: ICE.Guantanamo@ice.dhs.gov Phone: (305) 437-5486 Additionally, you can contact the American Bar Association hotline specializing in immigration-related disappearances at 1-855-641-6081

What to do when you find it?

• Seek legal help as soon as possible. Call us at 202-709-6439 to see how we can help your family member.
• Support his release with letters, evidence of their life in the US, and support networks.
• Do not sign anything without legal advice. Many people sign documents without knowing that they are accepting their deportation.

If you need guidance or help to evaluate the legal situation of your loved ones in detention, call us at 202-709-6439 o click here for a consultation directly with attorney Lauren Eagan.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.