How do I find someone who is detained by immigration enforcement?

Locating a loved one in the complex U.S. immigration system can be a stressful experience. Whether you’re a family member or a friend, understanding how to use the ICE Detainee Locator can offer some peace of mind in the sense that you can locate your loved one. The information below is specifically designed to help you find individuals detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

What is the ICE Detainee Locator?

The ICE Detainee Locator is an online tool that helps locate individuals who are currently in ICE custody or have been detained for over 48 hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Note that this system doesn’t provide information on individuals under the age of 18.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the ICE Detainee Locator

1. Access the Locator System
Start by going on the ICE Online Detainee Locator System website, https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

2. Choose Your Search Method
The system allows you to search in two ways: by a person’s Alien Number (A-Number) or their biographical information. An Alien Number is a nine-digit number assigned to someone when they apply for an immigration benefit or when they are arrested by immigration enforcement.

3. Search by A-Number
Enter the nine-digit A-Number of the person in ICE custody. If the number is less than nine digits, add zeros at the beginning to fill the gap.
Select the person’s country of birth from the dropdown menu.

4. Search by Biographical Information
Input the person’s first and last name precisely as it appears in official records. Double-check for spelling, hyphens, and other special characters.
Choose the person’s country of birth from the list provided.

5. Review the Results: The system will display the current location and status of the person if available.

Important Considerations:

Exact Match Required: Ensure the spelling and numbers entered match official records precisely.
The ICE Detainee Locator does not provide information in “live time” so there may be a delay in finding a person through the ICE Detainee Locator if the person was recently arrested by immigration enforcement, was transferred to another detention center, or was deported. Once a person is deported, you will not be able to find them in the ICE Detainee Locator.
We realize this is a very challenging time for families and reading this information may cause a lot of stress and grief.