How to Use the ICE Detainee Locator
When someone is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), families often struggle to find out where their loved one has been taken. The ICE Online Detainee Locator System is the main tool available to search for someone in immigration detention.
You can access it here:
https://locator.ice.gov
Step 1: Gather Basic Information
Before searching, try to have the following information:
Full legal name
Country of birth
Date of birth
If you have it, the person’s A Number (Alien Registration Number) will make the search much easier.
Step 2: Search the System
The locator allows you to search in two ways.
You can search by A Number, which is the most accurate method.
Or you can search by biographical information, including the person’s name, country of birth, and date of birth.
If the person appears in the system, the locator will show the detention facility where they are currently being held.
Important Limitations of the Locator
Families should know that the ICE detainee locator is far from perfect.
It is very common for someone not to appear in the system during the first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest. During this time, the person may still be in processing or being transferred between facilities.
The locator also does not always reflect transfers immediately, so the listed facility may not always be accurate.
Because of these limitations, it is critical that families keep their phone nearby. Many detained individuals are able to make a phone call once they are processed. That call may be the first and most reliable way to learn where they are being held.
If possible, make sure both you and your attorney are reachable, so that important information can be shared quickly.
Final Thoughts
The ICE detainee locator is a helpful starting point, but it should not be the only method families rely on to locate a loved one. Checking the locator, staying available for phone calls, and contacting an immigration attorney early can make a significant difference in the first days after a detention.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration cases are highly fact specific and individuals should consult with a licensed immigration attorney about their situation.
