What to do if someone is detained?

Asked by: Maegan Hilpert  |  Last update: May 27, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (56 votes)

Immediate steps
  1. Ask your friend/family member for their A-Number (A#) This number usually contains 9 digits. ...
  2. Locating someone in detention. ...
  3. Communication/visits. ...
  4. Report any raids. ...
  5. Gather immigration and criminal documents if any. ...
  6. Locating immigration court hearing information.

What to do when someone is detained?

Offer Support and a Source of Comfort

You may feel helpless, but it's important for you to retain your composure and be a source of strength and support for them. Whether you're there when they're arrested, speak with them on the phone or visit them at a holding facility, it's important to help them remain calm.

How long does detained last?

How long can you be detained by the police? An investigative detention may last anywhere from a few seconds to more than an hour, though there is no absolute time limit for a detention. However, it “must be temporary and last no longer than is necessary to effectuate the purpose of the stop…” United States v.

How long can you be legally detained?

Most states allow prosecutors up to 72 hours after an arrest to file charges, although some states, like California, allow only 48 hours. If the prosecutor fails to bring charges within this time limit, the court has to release you. Failure to do that is a violation of your rights.

What happens if ICE detains you?

ICE Will Set Initial Bond: If you are detained but eligible for bond, the government will set an initial bond amount. If you post this bond, you will be released. If you cannot afford the bond, you can write to the immigration court and ask for a bond re-determination hearing.

ICE makes over 2,500 immigration arrests since Trump inauguration

28 related questions found

How long does it take ICE 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 do you know if someone is detained by ICE?

You can use the ICE detainee locator to find a person currently held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). To use the Online Detainee Locator System, you can either enter the person's: Name, country of birth, and birth date, or.

Can a cop detain you without telling you why?

Police may briefly detain a pedestrian if they have at least reasonable, articulable suspicion that the pedestrian is involved in current or imminent criminal activity. (Note that while they must have specific, articulable facts to support this suspicion, they do not have to share those facts with you).

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.

Can you be handcuffed while being detained?

Yes. Anytime someone is detained, an officer can handcuff them for mutual protection if it is believed to be necessary.

How long does detention go for?

No need to stress too much about detention. While it may vary from school to school, generally, detention involves spending a set amount of time (usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour) after school or during lunch in a designated room under the supervision of a teacher or staff member.

How to remove an ICE detainer?

ICE officials have sole discretion to lift or remove ICE Holds. In rare cases, an attorney may be able to contact ICE officials directly and attempt to convince them to remove or lift an ICE hold. However, in most cases, convincing ICE officials to remove the ICE detainer is extremely difficult.

How do you know if someone is being 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.

Where do you go after being detained?

If the person has been detained pending an investigation or questioning, he or she may remain in a local or county jail until read his or her Miranda Rights so he or she may acquire a lawyer. Being detained by police is often the first step before an investigation into a possible crime occurs.

What do the police not want you to know?

Right to Remain Silent

This right is probably the most known of all. You have the right to remain silent when being questioned by the police. Anything you say or do can be used against you. You have the right to have legal representation at the time of any police interrogation.

What to do if you are wrongfully detained?

Gather evidence: If possible, try to remember details of the arrest, like the officer's name and any witnesses. Contact an attorney: Talk to a lawyer specializing in wrongful arrest. They can advise you on your legal options, which may include filing a lawsuit against the arresting officer or department.

Is it illegal to call the cops on someone for no reason?

Making a 911 call for any other reason besides reporting an emergency can result in criminal penalties. Different states have different penalties and punishments for misuse of 911, but the worst-case scenarios are stiff fines and jail time.

What is no unfair detainment?

No Unfair Detainment

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Can you refuse to be handcuffed?

You are being arrested. This can be accomplished with reasonable force. It is not your choice to refuse to be handcuffed like you are deciding between soup and salad at a restaurant.

How long can you be detained for?

If arrested or called in for questioning, California Penal Code Section 825 states that defendants must be brought before a judge within 48 hours to determine whether they will be charged or released. In other words, you can be held for 48 hours without charges.

Do you have to exit your vehicle if a cop tells you to?

Yes, you generally need to step out of the car if a police officer asks you to. According to the U.S. Supreme Court rulings in Pennsylvania v. Mimms and Maryland v. Wilson, officers have the authority to ask both drivers and passengers to exit the vehicle during a traffic stop for safety reasons.

Can ICE check your phone?

Using Locate X, ICE can monitor and identify cell phones that cross through specific locations, learn where those cell phones had been before crossing through those locations, and learn where those cell phones travel after.

How long can ICE keep you detained?

Individuals encountered by CBP or ICE may be placed in one of nearly 200 detention facilities across the country that hold noncitizens for weeks, months, or years while they await an immigration court hearing or deportation.

What happens if someone reports you to ICE?

If someone reports an individual to ICE, the agency has the authority to decide whether to initiate removal proceedings. This decision-making power is known as prosecutorial discretion.