Answer By law4u team
If you suspect that someone has been detained by immigration authorities, it is important to know how to find out their detention status. Whether you're looking for a family member, friend, or someone else, there are specific steps you can take to locate an individual in immigration detention. Immigration authorities, such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), maintain systems and databases that allow people to check the custody status of detained individuals.
How Can I Find Out If Someone Has Been Taken Into Immigration Detention?
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System:
ICE’s Online Detainee Locator:
One of the easiest ways to find out if someone has been detained by immigration authorities is to use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. This is a tool available on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website that allows you to search for detainees by name, A-Number (Alien Registration Number), or other personal information. You can access this tool at: ICE Detainee Locator. When using the tool, you'll need to provide the detainee's full name and date of birth. If available, you may also use their A-Number to narrow the search.
Limitations:
While the ICE Detainee Locator is useful, it only provides information about people detained by ICE or DHS. It does not include people detained in state or local jails who are under ICE custody. In some cases, the information may not be immediately available if the person was recently detained or moved between facilities.
Contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
If you are unable to find someone using the online tool, you can contact ICE directly to inquire about the person’s detention status. ICE has several contact methods, including:
- ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) can provide information about detainees.
- ICE phone numbers: Depending on your region, you can call ICE's local field offices or the National ICE Contact Center (NCC) at 1-888-351-4024 to request information.
Important Note:
For privacy reasons, ICE may not release information unless you are the detainee or an attorney representing them.
Check with Local Detention Facilities or Jails:
County or Local Jails:
Some individuals are held in county jails or local detention facilities under the custody of ICE. These facilities may not always be listed in the ICE Detainee Locator, but they might still hold immigration detainees. You can contact the local sheriff's office or detention center to inquire about the individual’s status.
Private Detention Centers:
ICE may also use private detention centers to hold detainees. If you know the specific facility where the person may be held, you can contact the detention center directly to check the status.
Contact Legal Aid Organizations or Immigration Attorneys:
Immigration Advocacy Groups:
If you are unable to find the individual using the methods mentioned above, you can reach out to immigration advocacy organizations for assistance. Groups like The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) or Detention Watch Network may be able to provide help in locating someone in immigration detention.
Consult an Immigration Attorney:
Immigration attorneys are experienced in dealing with detention cases and can help locate individuals who have been detained by ICE. They can also help families or friends navigate the legal process if a loved one has been detained.
Search for the Detainee in the National Immigration Court System:
Immigration Court Information:
If the detainee is involved in removal proceedings, they may have a scheduled hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). You can use the EOIR automated system to check the status of a case by calling 1-800-898-7180 or visiting the EOIR website for case details.
Immigration Court Case Information:
You will need the person’s A-number to check their case status. This will give you information about the hearings and the legal process they are undergoing, including whether they are detained.
Check with Family Members or Friends:
If the detained person has been in contact with family or friends recently, they may have more information about where the person is being held. Ask around for any updates or details about their detention.
Example:
Maria's brother, Juan, was detained during a routine check at the border. She was unable to locate him using the online ICE Detainee Locator. Maria called ICE's National Contact Center, who confirmed that Juan was detained at a facility in Texas. She also contacted a local immigration lawyer to get assistance in arranging for Juan's legal representation.
Conclusion:
To find out if someone has been taken into immigration detention, the best resources are the ICE Detainee Locator, direct contact with ICE or local detention facilities, and consulting with immigration attorneys or advocacy groups. It’s essential to act promptly, as detainee information may not be immediately available in some cases. Legal assistance is always recommended to navigate the complexities of immigration detention.
