When Time Matters Most: Quickly Finding a Loved One in ICE Custody

What do you do when someone you care about suddenly disappears into the system?

It’s a situation nobody wants to face. A phone call goes unanswered. Someone doesn’t return home. And slowly, the fear creeps in. You begin to wonder if immigration enforcement has taken them. In moments like this, time feels like your worst enemy.

If you suspect a loved one has been detained by ICE, there are steps you can take to locate them. The process might feel confusing or overwhelming at first, but acting quickly and staying focused can help you find them faster.

Understanding ICE Detention

When someone is taken into ICE custody, they may be held in a detention centre while the government decides their immigration case. These facilities are located all over the country. Some are directly operated by ICE, while others are managed by local or private contractors.

Detention can happen suddenly, sometimes during workplace checks, home visits, or traffic stops. Once detained, people are often transferred from one location to another, which can make tracking them even harder if you wait too long.

That’s why it’s important to act fast.

Use the ICE Detainee Locator System

The most direct way to search for someone in ICE custody is through the ICE Detainee Locator System. This is a public online database that shows basic information about individuals currently held in ICE detention facilities.

There are two main ways to search:

By A-number – This is a unique 9-digit Alien Registration Number assigned by immigration authorities. It’s the most accurate way to search, especially if you know the person’s full name and country of birth.

By biographical information – If you don’t have the A-number, you can still search using the person’s full name, date of birth, and country of origin. All the details must be entered exactly as they appear on immigration records.

Keep in mind:

• The system only works for people aged 18 or older.
• If the person was recently detained, their information might not appear immediately.
• If someone is not showing up, it doesn’t always mean they’re not in custody. They may be in transit or recently released.

If you’re not sure about the spelling or details, try different versions. Even a small error in name or birthdate can lead to no results.

When the Locator Doesn’t Work

Sometimes, the online system doesn’t return results. Here’s what could be happening:

They were just detained

There’s often a delay between detention and when information is uploaded to the system. It could take a few hours or even a couple of days.

They’re being transferred

People in ICE custody can be moved between facilities, especially in the first 72 hours. During that window, it’s harder to track their exact location.

Their name or details were recorded incorrectly

If there’s a typo or misspelling in the official records, the search won’t work unless you guess the error.

They are not in ICE custody

If ICE didn’t detain them, they might be held by local police or another federal agency. It’s worth contacting jails in the area where the detention may have happened.

Make Contact with the Facility

Once you find where your loved one is being held, the next step is to contact the detention facility. Every centre has its own rules for communication, but most allow for phone calls, mail, and scheduled visits.

When calling the facility:

• Be ready to provide the person’s full name and A-number.
• Ask about their condition and what rights they have at that location.
• Find out how to send funds, clothing, or other approved items.

Keep your tone respectful and calm. Detention staff will usually give basic information, but they are not required to explain legal options or answer detailed questions.

Know What They’re Facing

It’s important to understand that being detained doesn’t mean someone has done something wrong. Many people in ICE custody are simply awaiting a decision on their legal status.

Depending on their case, they may be eligible for release on bond or parole, face removal proceedings, and have a pending asylum or protection claim.

The timeline varies. Some are held for days, others for months. Access to legal support can influence how long someone remains in custody and whether they can be released.

Help Them Stay Grounded

While you’re on the outside trying to navigate the system, they’re on the inside, dealing with isolation and stress. Small gestures can mean a lot. If allowed, send letters. Add funds to their account so they can make calls. Let them know you’re doing everything possible.

Even when you can’t do much legally, staying in touch gives them strength. It also helps them feel less forgotten, which can make a big emotional difference.

What to Do While You Wait

While you’re working to locate your loved one or waiting for updates, it’s important to stay proactive. Don’t let time slip by. Here’s how you can make those hours count:

• Call local jails – If the ICE Detainee Locator doesn’t show anything, check with nearby city or county jails. Sometimes people are held locally before being transferred.
• Talk to community organisations – Some local groups offer help navigating immigration detention. They may know where transfers commonly happen or have contacts in local facilities.
• Hire an immigration attorney – A qualified lawyer can help speed up the process, contact ICE directly, and explain your loved one’s legal options. Even if you’re not sure what the next steps are, legal guidance makes a difference.
• Keep checking the Locator – The system updates regularly. If it didn’t show results earlier, try again after a few hours or the next day.
• Be patient but persistent – Don’t rely on a single method. Call, search, and follow up. Keep detailed notes of everything.

Staying active during this time means you’re ready to move quickly once you have more information. Even small steps can help avoid delays later.

When Every Hour Counts

When someone you care about is taken into ICE custody, the weight of not knowing can feel unbearable. The steps to find them may seem confusing at first, but there is a clear process to follow. Use the ICE Detainee Locator System. Stay calm and organised. Make contact as soon as you can.

Most of all, remember that persistence matters. Even when the system feels slow or unhelpful, every call, every search, every message brings you one step closer to getting them the support they need.