How to Find Out if Someone Has Been Deported or Detained by ICE

The rise in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions and deportations has left many families and communities in distress. If you suspect that a loved one has been detained or removed from the U.S., it is crucial to act quickly and follow the proper steps to locate them. This guide will help you determine if someone has been detained or deported and what to do next.

How to Know if Someone Has Been Deported

Deportations are not always publicly disclosed, and finding out if someone has been removed from the U.S. can be challenging. Here are some ways to determine if a person has been deported:

• Loss of Contact – If your loved one suddenly stops communicating, it may indicate they have been detained or removed from the U.S.
• ICE Detainee Locator System – If they were recently arrested by ICE, they might be listed in the ICE online detainee locator system (more on this below).
• Immigration Court Case Status – If they had an immigration case, you can check the EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) case status online by calling 1-800-898-7180 or visiting the EOIR website.
• Contacting ICE or an Immigration Lawyer – In some cases, ICE will provide information to attorneys or family members who can confirm deportation details.

How to Find Someone in ICE Custody

If you suspect your loved one has been detained, the ICE Detainee Locator is the best place to start.

Using the ICE Detainee Locator
The ICE Detainee Locator https://www.usa.gov/detained-by-ice is an online tool that allows you to search for someone in ICE custody. However, keep in mind:

• It can take several weeks after detention for a person to appear in the system.
• You need specific details to conduct a search.

What Information You Need to Search

1. A-Number (Alien Registration Number)
   ◦ If the person has an A-number (a unique seven- to nine-digit identifier given to immigrants), enter it along with their country of birth.
2. Biographical Information
   ◦ If you don’t have the A-number, you can search using the person’s full name, date of birth, and country of birth.
   ◦ Names must be entered exactly as ICE has them recorded.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Them in the ICE Locator

• Wait a few weeks and try again—sometimes, detainees don’t show up immediately.
• Check with local jails or police departments if they were recently arrested.
• Call the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office closest to where the person was last seen.
• Contact an immigration attorney for assistance.

What to Do If Someone You Love Is Detained by ICE

If a family member or friend has been detained, here’s what you can do:

1. Stay Calm and Gather Information

• Find out where they are being held by using the ICE Detainee Locator.
• Ask if they have been given a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court.

2. Contact an Immigration Attorney

• An experienced immigration and deportation defense lawyer can help fight for their release, apply for bond, or challenge their deportation.

3. Request a Bond Hearing

• If eligible, they may be able to request release on bond while fighting their case.
• A lawyer can file a bond motion to request their release.

4. Be Careful About What You Say

• Instruct your loved ones not to sign anything without speaking to an attorney.
• Avoid discussing the case over the phone, as calls may be recorded.

5. Attend All Immigration Court Hearings

• Missing a court date can lead to automatic deportation orders.
• You can check their case status online through the EOIR case status system.

6. Prepare for Different Outcomes

• If they are eligible for legal relief, an attorney can fight their case.
• If they are ordered removed, prepare for next steps, such as appeals or voluntary departure.

Immigrants Have Rights

Immigrants in the United States have legal rights, even if they are undocumented and do not have a visa or a green card. All immigrants should be aware of their legal rights and protections. If someone you love has been detained or possibly deported, acting quickly is key. The ICE Detainee Locator can help find a person in custody, but it’s not always immediate. Working with an experienced immigration and deportation defense attorney is the best way to navigate the process and fight for their rights.

Get experienced legal help from Immigration Lawyer Mario Godoy & Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers BEFORE it’s too late!

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