How do you know if someone is being detained?
Asked by: Dr. Claire Boyle | Last update: December 30, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (22 votes)
If you are looking for someone who might be detained by
How do I find out if someone is detained by immigration?
The Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) is a public system available on the Internet that allows family members, legal representatives, and members of the public, to locate immigration detainees who are in ICE detention. To use the ODLS, please visit http://www.ice.gov/locator.
What happens when immigration detains a person?
The ICE officer will first place a “detainer” on you. Once you have completed your time in prison or jail, you will be transferred to ICE custody. Federal law says that state and local law enforcement authorities may only hold persons on immigration detainers for 48 hours after the completion of their jail time.
Can you visit someone detained by ICE?
Hours: Legal visitation is permitted 7 days a week for a minimum of 8 hours a day on business days and 4 hours a day on weekends and holidays. To obtain the visiting hours for a specific facility use the Detention Facility Locator on ICE.gov to locate the facility and look under the “Hours of Visitation” tab.
How long can immigration hold you?
If ICE does not assume custody after 48 hours, the LEA is required to release the individual. The LEA may not lawfully hold an individual beyond the 48-hour period.
What undocumented immigrants should know if they are detained
Why would customs detain you?
Even though you always have the right to remain silent, if you don't answer questions to establish your citizenship, officials may deny you entry to the U.S. or detain you for search and/or questioning. Agents may search any person, the inside of any vehicle, and all passenger belongings.
How long does it take to deport someone?
On average, cases that qualify for the expedited removal process can result in a removal order within a few weeks. However, the standard removal/deportation case can often drag on for many years depending upon how backlogged the court is and how aggressively your lawyer fights for you.
How to check someone's immigration status?
Use our online FOIA system to request your own immigration record, another person's immigration record, or non-A-File information such as policies, data, or communications.
Where do immigrants go when they are detained?
Many of the immigrants detained in ICE's nominally civil system are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants.
How do I anonymously report someone to immigration?
ICE accepts anonymous reports by phone and online. Call 1-866-347-2423, the ICE Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line, to report an immigration violation from the U.S. or Canada. If you are in another country, call 1-802-872-6199.
What if a person is unlawfully detained?
Victims of unlawful detention can seek various remedies, including filing complaints against the involved officers or law enforcement agency, motions to exclude evidence obtained during the detention, and federal or state lawsuits for injunctions or monetary damages.
How does immigration investigate?
USCIS conducts an investigation of the applicant upon his or her filing for naturalization. The investigation consists of certain criminal background and security checks. The background and security checks include collecting fingerprints and requesting a “name check” from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).
How to get someone out of immigration detention?
There are five main ways to be released from detention: parole, bond, “humanitarian” parole, post-order custody review, and writ of habeas corpus.
How can I know if someone is detained?
If you are looking for someone who might be detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you can search the ICE Detainee Locator or by calling (866) 347-2423. It will help to have the person's Alien Number (A#) on hand, if you know it. This number appears on green cards or work permits.
What to do when someone is detained?
- Ask your friend/family member for their A-Number (A#) This number usually contains 9 digits. ...
- Locating someone in detention. ...
- Communication/visits. ...
- Report any raids. ...
- Gather immigration and criminal documents if any. ...
- Locating immigration court hearing information.
What happens if I call ICE on someone?
ICE agents usually identify the person they want to arrest ahead of time. Then, they go to homes, courthouses, shelters and even workplaces to look for that person. Increasingly, they are waiting on the street to make the arrest.
How long are immigrants detained for?
Immigrants who are deemed to not be a security risk to the United States may be released on bond until their court date. Others may be detained for weeks if not months.
How to check if someone has a deportation order?
Call The Executive Office For Immigration Review
If you have been through Immigration Court, there is a way to find out if you have a deportation order against you. For it: Call number 1 (800) 898-7180.
How does immigration know you left the country?
Leaving the United States
By Air or Sea: The system automatically records your departure based on information provided by the airline or ship. By Land: If you have a paper I-94, surrender it to the border officer. If you have an electronic I-94, your departure might not be automatically recorded.
Can you look up immigration cases?
For information about your case, please check the Automated Case Information System online or at 800-898-7180 (TDD: 800-828-1120) or call the immigration court handling your case. EOIR continues to support internet-based hearings and has established practices to guide immigration judges and parties.
How do I call the immigration police on someone?
- Phone number. 1-802-872-6199.
- Toll-free number. 1-866-347-2423 (calls from the U.S. or Canada only)
- TTY. 1-802-872-6196.
Can police see your immigration status?
The immigration status of individuals is generally not a matter for police enforcement action.
How will someone get deported?
The INA indicates that any class of immigrant may be removed from the United States if they violate the law—whether immigration law or broader U.S. laws. This includes overstaying a visa, committing marriage fraud, or committing crimes listed in the INA.
How do I report someone to immigration?
To report immigration irregularities or violations, please call the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE to report suspicious activity.
How to find someone detained by Border Patrol?
Find an immigration detention facility
To use the Online Detainee Locator System, you can either enter the person's: Name, country of birth, and birth date, or. 9-digit A-number, which may be printed on correspondences from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Executive Office for Immigration Review.