How to Know If a Loved One Is Detained by Immigration Authorities

By: Jarbath Pena Law Group

Discovering that someone you care about may be in immigration custody is a frightening experience. Unfortunately, countless families face this situation each year—often without warning. If a non-citizen loved one seems to have disappeared without any notice or explanation, there’s a chance that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained them. While this reality can be overwhelming, know that you are not powerless. There are steps you can take to locate your loved one, find out what happens next, and what you can do to help them.

At Jarbath Peña Law Group, we’re here to guide you through this difficult process. Our immigration team can help you locate your loved one and stand by their side in immigration court. You don’t have to navigate this challenge alone.

Why People End Up in Immigration Detention

Immigration detention is not limited to undocumented individuals. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) and other non-citizens can also be detained if the government believes they’ve violated immigration laws. ICE, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), oversees immigration enforcement and collaborates with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify potential violations.

Reasons for detention often include the following:

• Unauthorized entry into the U.S.,

• Staying in the country after a visa has expired,

• Engaging in unauthorized employment, or

• Being convicted of certain crimes.

  
  

Immigration authorities may learn about these issues during traffic stops, workplace raids, criminal arrests, or attempts to cross the border.

When and Where Detention Can Happen

Detentions individuals already inside the country—sometimes long after the initial immigration violation occurred. For example, suppose Joe entered the country illegally back in 2023. If police encounter Joe in 2025 and discover his illegal status, they can detain him even though two years have passed since the immigration violation.

One complicating factor is that ICE does not always hold detainees near where authorities took them into custody. Depending on the space and policies of any specific detention facility, ICE may even transfer a detainee across state lines.

Families are often shocked to discover that the authorities are holding their loved one at a place that is hours—or even a full day’s drive—away from home.

How Long Immigration Detention Lasts

There are very few time limits on how long an adult non-citizen can be held in immigration detention. Unlike the criminal justice system, where individuals must be charged or released within certain timeframes, immigration detention often continues until the government decides to proceed with or drop deportation proceedings.

This means that ICE can hold a person for weeks or months without a clear indication of how long it will take for them to release the individual. Unfortunately, oversight and accountability at some facilities remain lacking, contributing to delays and inconsistent conditions.

Children, especially unaccompanied minors, are treated differently. Federal law generally limits their detention to 30 days, though some exceptions apply. These minors may be placed with relatives or transferred into group homes or foster care during immigration proceedings.

Searching for a Detained Individual

If you believe ICE has detained someone you care about, you have some options for finding them. However, your first step should be to contact an experienced immigration attorney. Legal professionals can assist in contacting ICE on your behalf, minimizing confusion, and ensuring that the authorities properly handle your inquiries.

You also have the option to search independently. ICE offers an online detainee locator tool to help friends and family find individuals in custody.

Using ICE’s Online Locator Tool

The ICE Detainee Locator System is accessible on the ICE website and allows searches for individuals 18 or older. You can search using either of the following:

• Alien Registration Number (A-Number). Immigration authorities assign this unique number to most non-citizens. If your loved one has had past contact with immigration, they may have an A-number already.

  
  

• Biographical Information. If you don’t have the A-number, you can search by entering the person’s first and last name, country of origin, and date of birth.

  
  

However, this tool has limitations. The information might be outdated or contain errors, particularly with name spelling or date formatting. In some cases, people with multiple last names or names from cultures with different naming conventions may be misidentified, making it difficult to locate them using biographical details alone.

What to Do If You Can’t Find Them Online: Contact ICE

If the online tool doesn’t yield results, your next step is to contact an ICE field office directly. You should begin with the office closest to where you think the person might be detained. Field offices may be better able to locate minors—who do not appear in the online locator. Be prepared to provide identifying details, such as full name, date of birth, country of origin, and any known A-number.

How a Lawyer Can Support You 

Immigration detention can feel paralyzing—for the detained person and the people who care about them. You may feel afraid to act, especially if your own immigration status is uncertain. Hiring an immigration attorney can bring clarity and peace of mind. A lawyer can:

• Help you locate your loved one quickly and accurately,

• Communicate with ICE and detention facilities on your behalf,

• Develop a legal strategy to request release or fight deportation, and

• Represent your loved one in immigration court proceedings.

  
  

There’s no substitute for experienced legal advocacy during an immigration crisis.

Get Legal Support When Your Loved One Is Detained

If ICE has taken your loved one, it’s easy to feel helpless. But you do not have to face this situation alone. Jarbath Peña Law Group is committed to helping families stay connected and informed during immigration detention. We know this is a stressful time, but try not to panic. We will help you locate your loved one. Then, we’ll help them understand their rights, and fight for the best possible outcome for their case.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with our immigration team. We’re here to help you through every step of the process.