Updated: August 25, 2026
How to find someone detained by ICE
Step 1: search the ICE Online Detainee Locator
Go to locator.ice.gov. You can search two ways:
- By A-number (the alien registration number) plus country of birth.
- By full name plus country of birth. The spelling must match ICE records, so try different spellings of the name.
The A-number is the registration number that appears on immigration documents such as a work permit, USCIS notices or court papers. It starts with the letter A followed by digits. If you do not know it, search by name instead.
The locator only lists people 18 or older. Someone detained in the last few hours may not appear yet, so check again later the same day and the next day.
Step 2: call the facility and the hotlines
When the locator shows a facility, call that facility directly to confirm the person is there and to ask about visits, phone calls and sending money.
If the locator shows nothing, call the ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 1-888-351-4024. Officers on that line can help locate a person in ICE custody.
To learn about the person's immigration court case, call the EOIR automated case line at 1-800-898-7180 and enter the A-number. It gives the next hearing date and the case status.
Keep a pen ready and write everything down: the facility name and address, the A-number, dates and the names of anyone you speak with.
Step 3: bond and legal help
Information about immigration bond, including how to pay it online, is available through the ICE CeBONDS system at cebonds.ice.gov.
Two more things help in the first days. First, gather the person's documents: passport, USCIS notices, medical information. Second, remind the person not to sign anything they do not understand before speaking with a lawyer.
Then connect the person with legal help as early as possible. See our guide on how to find a free or low-cost immigration lawyer.
Quick answers
What do I need to search the ICE detainee locator?
Either the person’s A-number and country of birth, or their full name and country of birth. The locator only shows adults 18 and older.
How do I check the immigration court case of a detained person?
Call the EOIR automated case line at 1-800-898-7180 and enter the A-number to hear the next hearing date and case status.
How do I pay or check an immigration bond?
Bond information and online payment go through the ICE CeBONDS system at cebonds.ice.gov.
For your personal situation, confirm the details with a licensed immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.