How to Find an Immigrant Detained by ICE?

When undocumented immigrants are arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, their loved ones are understandably concerned about their wellbeing. These arrests occur without warning and many fear that they will be removed from the country immediately. These concerns are exasperated when loved ones are unable to locate or contact the immigrant afterward. Fortunately, expedited removals (or immediate deportations) are rare and there are ways to simplify the process of locating an immigrant. Discover how to find an immigrant detained by ICE:

It is important to understand that immigrants are not always taken directly to the nearest ICE facility after an arrest is made. Sometimes they are held in a local contracted prison and other times they may be sent to an ICE facility that is far from the location of their arrest. A number of factors, like the number of people currently being housed in one facility, can have a huge impact on where they end up. This can be confusing for loved ones who are searching for an undocumented immigrant, but the ICE Inmate Locator Tool aims to provide answers quickly and seamlessly.

To use the locator tool, simply visit the Online Detainee Locator System and enter the required information. For the most accurate results, use the immigrant’s Alien ID number. If the number is not available, you may also search using their first and last name along with their country of birth. Keep in mind that spelling errors are common within the system when it comes to names and the immigrant may be listed under a similar name or an alias. If no results are found, experiment with alternate spellings. Also, keep in mind that this system will only generate results for adults over the age of 18.

If the locator tool does not provide the information you are seeking, it can be helpful to call local ICE facilities directly. They may be able to provide information that has not yet been entered into the system. When you have exhausted both of these methods and are still unable to locate an immigrant that was detained by ICE, it may be wise to contact an immigration lawyer. Although it is not common practice, in some cases, immigrants can be deported quickly under the terms of expedited removal. Generally, this applies to those who have just arrived in the country or those who have been previously deported. If these circumstances apply to the immigrant in question and you are unable to locate them after a week or more, it is possible that they have been returned to their birth country. Unfortunately, if this is the case, there is little that can be done and they may be unable to return to the United States.

For immigrants who are located in a local prison or ICE facility, loved ones should be able to obtain bond information within a day or two after the arrest. To secure their release, a bond sponsor (the person who will pay the bond) can arrange to pay at the ICE facility closest to them. It is important to note that the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident to successfully post bond. Likewise, the process can be tedious and complex. To avoid any complications, many opt to use an immigration bond service. With a service like US Immigration Bonds, loved ones can be reunited the same day that bond is posted.

In need of an immigration bond or want to learn more about how to find an immigrant detained by ICE? Contact US Immigration Bonds today to explore your options.