How to Look Up an ICE Detainee: A Detailed Guide for Families and Advocates
When a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the experience can be confusing, emotionally overwhelming, and logistically difficult. Families often do not receive immediate notice of where the person has been taken, what agency has custody, or how to contact them. Fortunately, ICE provides an online public tool that allows individuals to search for adults currently in immigration detention: the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). Understanding how to use this tool, and what information you need to perform an accurate search, is essential for anyone trying to locate a detainee promptly. This article provides a detailed explanation of the locator system, the meaning of key terms like “A-number,” and what to do once you find the detention facility information.
The first step in locating an individual is understanding what it means to be in immigration “detention.” Immigration detention is a civil, not criminal, form of custody. Individuals are held by ICE while their immigration cases proceed, whether they were apprehended at the border, encountered by local law enforcement, or placed into removal proceedings for other reasons. Detention centers range from dedicated immigration facilities to county correctional centers under contract with ICE. Importantly, detention is not a criminal sentence; rather, it is a mechanism used by the federal government to ensure that individuals appear for hearings or removal. Because detention is administrative, information may sometimes move slowly between agencies, leading to delays in locating someone shortly after arrest or transfer.
A critical piece of information in this process is the Alien Registration Number, commonly known as an A-Number. This is a unique identifier assigned to noncitizens by the Department of Homeland Security. It is typically a nine-digit number beginning with the letter “A” (for example, A123-456-789). Anyone who has interacted with immigration agencies, through applications, deportation proceedings, or previous encounters, may already have an A-Number. If the detainee or family previously received immigration paperwork, the number may appear on notices, work permits, or past applications. Because names can be common, misspelled, or entered differently in the system, the A-Number is the most reliable way to locate someone. When available, it should always be used.
To perform a search, visit the official ICE detainee locator at:
https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
The system offers two ways to search: by A-Number, or by biographical information. When using the A-Number option, the number must contain all nine digits. If the number is shorter, it should be padded with leading zeros. ICE also requires the detainee’s country of birth, which must match exactly as it appears in their immigration record. A-Number searches tend to be fast and accurate, making them the recommended option whenever possible.
If an A-Number is unavailable, the locator system allows a search by name. This method requires the individual’s full legal name, country of birth, and preferably the date of birth. Accuracy is crucial. The system does not account for spelling variations, name order changes, accents, or hyphens. For individuals from cultures where multiple surnames are common, any deviation from the name as entered by immigration authorities may prevent the system from locating them. In some cases, even a minor typo can cause the search to fail. Families should try variations of the name if the first attempt does not produce results.
Once the information is submitted, the system will indicate whether the person is “In Custody” or “Not in Custody.” If they are located, the ODLS will list the detention facility, along with the address, phone number, and occasionally a link to the facility’s information page. A result of “Not in Custody” does not necessarily mean the person has been released; they may have been transferred, may be in the custody of another agency (such as the U.S. Marshals Service or CBP), or may have been removed from the United States. It may also simply indicate that the system has not yet updated. ICE advises that recently detained individuals may not appear for several hours or even a full day after being taken into custody.
There are several important limitations to keep in mind. The detainee locator does not include individuals under 18 years old, because unaccompanied minors fall under the jurisdiction of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), not ICE. The locator system also does not track individuals held by CBP at the border, who may be detained for short periods before transfer. Additionally, detainees are frequently moved between facilities, sometimes without notice to family members. As a result, someone who appears in one location today may be in an entirely different facility tomorrow. If a person cannot be located through the ODLS after multiple attempts, the next step is to contact the nearest ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office for assistance.
After locating a detainee, families may contact the facility to ask about visitation rules, mailing addresses, procedures for adding funds to a commissary account, and phone access. Every facility has distinct rules governing communication, visitation, and property. Families should also gather all immigration paperwork in their possession, including the A-Number, prior notices, and any past applications. These materials will help an attorney assess the individual’s legal options. Because immigration detention cases move quickly and often involve complex legal issues such as bond requests, credible fear interviews, and removal defenses, early legal intervention is extremely valuable.
Locating someone in ICE custody can be a stressful and confusing process, but the Online Detainee Locator System is an essential first step in obtaining accurate information. By understanding what an A-Number is, learning how to use the locator effectively, and knowing what limitations to expect, families can navigate this process more confidently. For those seeking assistance, an experienced immigration attorney can help determine the detainee’s legal options, request release where appropriate, and provide guidance throughout the case.