A family member was detained by ICE. What to do first
When someone you love is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the first days matter. These steps help you find them, protect their rights and prepare for their case. If this is happening now, call us at 267-606-6603.
1. Find out where they are
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator. You can search with their A-number and country of birth, or with their full name and country of birth. It can take a day or more for a new detention to appear, and people are sometimes moved between facilities, so check again if you don't find them right away.
2. Gather key information
- Full legal name, date of birth and country of birth
- A-number (the 8 or 9 digit number on prior immigration papers)
- How and when they entered the U.S., and any prior deportations
- Any arrests or criminal cases, with court papers if you have them
- Family in the U.S., especially U.S. citizen or green card holder spouses and children
3. Protect their rights
Your family member has the right to remain silent and the right to speak with a lawyer, at their own cost. Encourage them not to sign any document they don't fully understand, especially papers agreeing to voluntary departure or a stipulated removal order, until they talk to an attorney. Signing can end their chance to stay.
4. Ask about release on bond
Some people can be released on a bond set by ICE or by an immigration judge. Who can get a bond hearing changed in 2025 and is being challenged in court, and the answer depends on how the person entered the U.S. and on any criminal history. We can tell you quickly whether a bond request makes sense.
5. Track court dates
Hearing dates and decisions are available from the immigration court system, EOIR, by phone at 1-800-898-7180 or online through the EOIR Automated Case Information portal, using the A-number.
6. Start collecting evidence
Many defenses depend on proof of time in the U.S., family ties and good conduct. Start gathering leases, tax returns, pay stubs, school and medical records for children, letters of support and anything showing fear of returning to their country.
Possible ways to stay
- Cancellation of removal for long-term residents with qualifying U.S. citizen or green card holder family
- Asylum, withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture
- Adjustment of status through a family member, in some cases
- Motions to reopen or appeals if there is an old removal order
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law and fees change, and every case is different. Talk to a lawyer about your situation.
Related service: Removal defense