What to Do If a Loved One Is Detained by ICE?

This information is meant to empower families to respond with confidence and clarity. By participating in SALEF’s Know Your Rights Workshop and Family Preparedness Plan Workshop, you’ll be equipped to build a personalized plan that meets your family’s unique needs and ensures greater peace of mind.

1. Stay Calm and Remember that you have a plan

Try to stay composed so you can act quickly and clearly.

Go to your family plan and find the following information:

  • Full name (exact spelling)
  • Date of birth
  • Country of origin
  • Alien Registration Number (A#), if (applicable). The A# is a unique identifier assigned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track an individual’s immigration records and process applications. 
    2. Use the ICE Detainee Locator

    Click Here to Visit the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.

    You can search by using the following information:

    • Alien Registration Number  or A# or
    • Full name, date of birth, and country of birth.

    The system may take 24–48 hours to update after someone is detained.

    3. Try Contact the ICE Field Office

    If the locator system doesn’t show results, contact your local ICE Field Office by phone or email.

    You can  find office’s phone number and email here.

    When you call or email, share only the minimum details needed such as the person’s A number, name, or country of birth just like you would in the online locator.

    Contact a Trusted Immigration Attorney or Legal Service Organization

    Do not wait to find legal assistance.

    4. Contact a Trusted Immigration Attorney

    Blancarte Law Firm
    (213) 342-6622
    Jesse Blancarte and his legal team are trusted immigration attorneys that help represent immigrant communities across the city of Los Angeles.

    Law Office of Meredith Brown
    (818) 541-9999
    Meredith Brown is a trusted immigration attorney that has worked with immigrant community in Los Angeles for close to 30 years. 

    MABA’s Lawyer Referral Service
    Click Here For a Lawyer Referral & Information Service (LRIS)
    (213) 327-0620 

    5. Legal Service Organizations

    El Rescate Legal Services
    (213) 387-3284
    www.elrescate.org

    CARECEN
    (213) 385-7800
    www.carecen-la.org

    Immigrant Defenders Law Center
    (213) 634-0999
    www.immdef.org

    6. Resources for Los Angeles County Immigrants

    Counseling Services

    The Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) mission is to help immigrants work toward integration and self-sufficiency by providing resource navigation services.

    You can speak to a counselor here.

    Ask for a detention consultation and have all personal information available to maximize your appointment time.

    7. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Advice

    Warn your loved one:

    • They have the right to remain silent.
    • They have the right to speak with an attorney.
    • Do not sign any documents presented by ICE or any federal agency without legal advice.
    • Signing a “voluntary departure” could mean immediate deportation without a hearing.
    8. Activate your Family Preparedness Plan
    • Notify your emergency contacts that have been designated.
    • Review the arrangements for all minors in the home including immediate childcare arrangements.
    • Look over the housing part of the plan to make sure you can remain in your home.
    • Look over the financial part of the plan, including how to access bank accounts for any urgent needs.
    • Bring any identification documents, documents that prove that your loved one has lived in the United States for more than two years, and/or other records showing your community ties to your appointment. Share these with the attorney or legal service organization assisting you.
    9. Connect With Community Advocacy Groups

    Reach out to immigrant rights groups for public support, case monitoring, and advocacy.

      • They can help file complaints, pressure ICE for release, and organize community defense.
      • Many groups offer bond fund assistance and know-your-rights education.
    10. Bond Hearing (If Applicable)

    A legal representative can help request a bond hearing.

    Prepare:

      • Letters of support
      • Proof of employment or education
      • Evidence of no criminal history
      • Documentation showing long-term residence or family ties
    11. Emergency Contacts to Have Ready
    • Trusted Immigration Attorney
    • Legal Service Organization
    • Family Emergency Contacts
    • Local Elected Official (e.g., City Council, Congressperson)
    • Advocacy Community-Based Organizations
    [get_help_now]