Help in United States
ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
Website: https://locator.ice.gov
You’ll need either of the following:
Alien Registration Number (A-Number) and the person’s country of birth
The A-number is a 9-digit number assigned by immigration authorities (e.g., A123456789).
Full name, country of birth, and date of birth
Names must be exact (including hyphens or multiple surnames).
Limitations:
It only shows individuals 18 years or older in ICE custody, not those in CBP custody or local jails before transfer.
If the person was recently detained, they may not appear right away.
For more detailed records (like case info, detention transfers, etc.), you can file a FOIA request:
ICE FOIA Info: https://www.ice.gov/foia
United We Dream – Deportation Defense Hotline
Hotline: 1-844-363-1423
Website: unitedwedream.org
Services: Live support, deportation defense resources, mental health support.
National Immigration Justice Center (NIJC)
Website: immigrantjustice.org
Services: Legal help, detention support, family defense.
ACLU – Know Your Rights
Website: aclu.org/know-your-rights
Includes printable cards in multiple languages with what to do if ICE shows up.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
Emergency Support and Know Your Rights
Help from Advocacy Orgs
If you can’t locate someone or if ICE won’t release info, organizations like the National Immigrant Justice Center or RAICES can help families navigate the system and advocate on their behalf.
Emotional & Community Support
Immigrants Rising
Website: immigrantsrising.org
Focus: Mental health, community resources, healing spaces.
The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Website: theyoungcenter.org
Focus: Child advocacy, accompaniment, support during court proceedings.
Call the Detention Facility or ICE Office Directly
If you suspect which facility they're in, call the facility directly. ICE’s list of detention facilities includes contact numbers.
You can also contact your local ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office:
Office Locator: https://www.ice.gov/contact/ero
These organizations provide free or low-cost immigration legal services:
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
Website: raicestexas.org
Services: Legal help, bond assistance, advocacy.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Website: ilrc.org
Services: Legal information, policy advocacy, lawyer referrals.
Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC)
Website: cliniclegal.org
Services: Legal representation, network of pro bono attorneys.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Website: nilc.org
Services: Policy advocacy, immigrant rights litigation.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – Lawyer Search Tool
Website: aila.org
Services: Find qualified immigration attorneys.
Legal Aid Organizations by State
immigrationadvocates.org has a searchable directory of free/low-cost immigration legal service providers by zip code.
Legal Assistance
Ask shelters and groups to log the person’s name in case they arrive later.
Have full name, birthdate, any known Mexican ID (CURP, voter ID, etc.), and a recent photo if possible.
Be patient—people often take days to reach a shelter or contact family due to trauma, fear, or lack of resources.