If a Family Member Is Detained
This page walks you through what to do — step by step — in the hours after a family member may have been detained by immigration enforcement.
Take a breath. There are things you can do. Start here.
Make sure YOU are safe Do this first — before anything else
If you are a minor and alone:
- Go to a trusted adult immediately — a neighbor, family friend, teacher, or school staff
- If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe → call 911
See also: If you are a minor alone →
Try to confirm what happened Before assuming detention
- Call or text your family member directly
- Check with other relatives, friends, or their workplace
Search the ICE Detainee Locator The main official government tool
What you need to search:
- Full legal name + country of birth + date of birth
- OR their A-number (alien registration number), if you have it
Not finding them does NOT mean they are not detained.
If the locator doesn't work — call and check locally People are often held locally before ICE transfer
Call these numbers:
- ICE / DHS information line: 1-888-351-4024
- CBP info line (if near the border): 1-866-347-2423
Check local jails:
People are sometimes held at a county jail before being transferred to a federal ICE facility. This is common in many areas.
- Search: "[your county] jail inmate search"
- Or call the county jail directly
Contact a lawyer or legal organization Do this as early as possible
These organizations help families understand next steps and connect to free or low-cost legal representation.
Gather critical information Write this down now — it makes everything faster
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Country of birth
- A-number (alien registration number), if known
- Where they were last seen or when you last heard from them
Having this ready speeds up both the locator search and any conversations with legal help.
Watch out for scams This is very important — documented cases exist
- Someone demands urgent payment to "release" a person
- Payment is requested via gift cards or wire transfer
- Someone claims to be ICE or a lawyer but pressures you for money
If you are a minor alone
This is the most urgent situation. Do not stay alone if you feel unsafe or don't know what to do.
Find a safe adult
- A neighbor or family friend
- A teacher or school counselor
- A coach, religious leader, or community member you trust
Your school can also help connect you to local resources — you don't have to explain everything to ask for support.
If you don't have someone to call
- 988 — Mental health and crisis support, 24/7
- 211 — Local social services in most states (housing, youth services, emergency support)
Expect the process to be confusing — that's normal
The immigration detention system is difficult to navigate even for legal professionals.
- People may be moved between facilities
- Records may not update immediately
- Communication from inside detention can be very limited
Even lawyers sometimes report difficulty locating people quickly. Keep trying, keep notes, and lean on legal organizations for guidance.
Find local help — often the fastest option
National organizations are important, but local help is often fastest. Search for organizations in your area.
Search terms that work:
- "immigration legal aid near me"
- "immigrant rights organization [your city]"
- "legal aid immigration [your state]"
Places that often help locally:
- Legal Aid organizations
- Community centers
- Faith-based organizations
- University law clinics
- School counselors (especially for students)
Know Your Rights
What your rights are during immigration enforcement — what to say, what you don't have to answer.
Know Your Rights →Mental Health Support
Coping with stress, fear, and uncertainty — and where to find help.
Student Support →Keeping Classmates Safe
How students and communities are supporting each other through this.
Keeping Classmates Safe →