Find someone in ICE detention
If a family member or friend has been detained by immigration, this free tool helps you locate them in the official ICE system — and know exactly what to do next. Russian, Turkish, Turkmen, and Uzbek spoken.
Find someone in ICE detention
How the ICE detainee search works
- 1
Gather what you know
The fastest search uses the person’s Alien Registration Number (A-Number) plus their country of birth. If you don’t have the A-Number, you can search by first name, last name, and country of birth instead.
- 2
Prepare your search above
Enter the details in the tool on this page. It checks the format, pads the A-Number to nine digits, and gets everything ready so you don’t get turned away by a small mistake.
- 3
Open the official ICE locator
The tool sends you to the government’s Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov, where you type in the details and run the actual search. The record is held by ICE, not by us.
- 4
Note the facility and “In custody” status
If there’s a match, write down the detention facility and location. “In custody” means the person is currently held by ICE; “Not in custody” can mean they were released, transferred, or removed.
Why someone might not show up
A “no results” message does not always mean the person isn’t in ICE custody. The most common reasons are:
- The name was entered with different spelling or a different order than ICE has on file.
- The country of birth selected does not match ICE’s records.
- The person was booked very recently — it can take 24–48 hours (sometimes longer) to appear.
- The person is under 18, who are not searchable in this system.
- The person is held by a different agency (for example, local jail or U.S. Marshals) rather than ICE.
A loved one is detained — act quickly
The first days in detention shape everything that follows: bond, transfers, and the fight against removal. A full one-hour consultation is $175 and includes a case review and a clear plan.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official ICE detainee locator?
No. This is a free helper tool from Nagima Law. The official system is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov. Our tool organizes your information and links you there; the search runs on the government site.
What is an A-Number?
An Alien Registration Number (“A-Number”) is a seven-to-nine digit number ICE and USCIS use to identify a person in the immigration system. It usually appears as the letter “A” followed by the digits on immigration documents. Searching with it is the most reliable way to find someone.
I can’t find my family member. What should I do?
First, double-check the spelling of the name and the country of birth, and try again after a day in case they were just booked. If they still don’t appear, they may be held by another agency, or recently transferred. An attorney can often locate someone and confirm their status faster.
Does Nagima Law see what I type here?
No. The tool runs entirely in your web browser. Nothing you enter is stored or sent to us. We only see your information if you choose to contact us for help.
My relative is detained. How quickly should I get a lawyer?
As soon as possible. The early days in detention are when bond eligibility and the strategy to fight removal are decided. A one-hour consultation with the firm is $175 and can help you understand the options and act quickly.
Nagima Law is not affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or any government agency. The official Online Detainee Locator System is operated by ICE at locator.ice.gov. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Detainee records are maintained by ICE and may not be complete or current.