When a family member is detained by immigration enforcement agents, the uncertainty and fear can be overwhelming. Unlike arrests by local police, where information is typically available through public jail records, locating someone in federal immigration custody requires navigating a different system that many families find confusing and difficult to access.
Understanding the steps to take immediately after a detention can help families find their loved ones and begin addressing their legal situation.
Using the ICE Online Detainee Locator
The primary tool for finding someone in immigration custody is the ICE online detainee locator system. According to reporting from IndyStar, this database allows searches in two ways: either by using the person’s alien registration number, or by using their full name combined with their date of birth. Either search method requires knowing the detained person’s country of birth.
However, families should be prepared for delays. The system only displays information for detainees who are 18 years old or older, and it can take several days for a newly detained person’s information to appear in the database.
One critical time factor to understand: according to the American Immigration Council, it is possible for someone to be removed from the country within 48 hours through what’s called an expedited removal process. This means families need to act quickly when they believe someone has been detained.
What to Do If the Database Shows No Results
If a detained person does not appear in the ICE online system, families have additional options. The National Immigration Law Center recommends contacting the local ICE Field Office directly as the next step.
For detentions in Indiana, the ICE Indianapolis office can be reached by calling [CONFIRM: phone number 317-216-0260] or by sending an email to [CONFIRM: email address Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov], according to information reported by IndyStar.
Understanding Alien Registration Numbers
An alien registration number, commonly called an A-number, is a unique permanent identification number that follows a person throughout their interactions with the immigration system. These numbers are assigned by U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services to people with various types of cases, including those applying for green cards, seeking asylum, or enrolled in programs like DACA.
Not everyone has an A-number before detention. People visiting on short-term visas, such as tourists, students, or temporary agricultural workers, are not assigned these numbers. Additionally, individuals who entered the country without detection by immigration authorities would not have received an A-number at that time.
When someone without an A-number is detained by immigration enforcement, they receive one at the beginning of deportation proceedings. This number becomes essential for tracking their case moving forward.
Checking Immigration Case Status
Once a family member has obtained the detained person’s A-number, they can monitor the case status through the Department of Justice’s Automated Case Information System. This online system provides important details including the current status of the case, the date and time of the next scheduled hearing, and whether an immigration judge has issued a removal order.
Why This Process Differs from Local Arrests
The difficulty families face in locating immigration detainees stands in stark contrast to the process for finding someone arrested by local law enforcement. Municipal and county jails typically maintain public online databases that update in real time, allowing family members to quickly confirm where someone is being held.
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Immigration detention operates under federal jurisdiction with different procedures and systems. This can leave families searching for basic information during an already stressful time, particularly if they are unfamiliar with immigration enforcement processes.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Given the possibility of rapid removal proceedings and the delays in database updates, families should take immediate action when they believe a loved one has been detained. This includes attempting to locate them through the online system, contacting the local ICE field office if necessary, and consulting with an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
Time is critical in these situations, and understanding the available resources can make a significant difference in a family’s ability to connect with their detained loved one and understand their legal options.
Additional Support and Resources
Families navigating immigration detention should consider reaching out to local immigrant advocacy organizations and legal aid societies, which often provide guidance and support during the detention process. These organizations can help families understand their options and connect them with legal representation.
While the process of locating and helping a detained family member can feel overwhelming, knowing these basic steps provides a starting point for families facing this difficult situation.
