Finding someone in ICE detention

The Online Detainee Locator System

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provides the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). You can search two ways:

• By A-Number (Alien Registration Number), a 9-digit number found on immigration paperwork, and country of birth. This is the most reliable search.
• By first and last name and country of birth. Date of birth is optional but helps.

The system only lists adults currently in ICE custody. It doesn't include people under 18, and it can take a day or more after detention for someone to appear.

Immigration court cases

If the person has a case in immigration court, the Executive Office for Immigration Review offers an automated case status portal searchable by A-Number, showing hearing dates and locations.

Getting legal help

Immigration law is complex. The EOIR maintains a list of free legal service providers by state. Be wary of "notarios," who are not authorized to give immigration legal advice.

More detail: Finding someone in federal custody or ICE detention.