What to Do if a Family Member Is Detained by ICE in the United States (2025 Guide)
If you are Colombian or from another Latin American country and live in the United States, the detention of a friend or family member by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) can be very stressful. This guide, prepared for 2025, explains the first steps you can take and which resources you can use from within the U.S.
Important: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. U.S. immigration laws change frequently. You should always speak with a licensed immigration attorney to get advice for your specific case.
Confirming if your relative is detained by ICE
Use ICE’s online detainee locator
The first step is to confirm whether your relative is really in immigration custody. You can do this through the ICE Online Detainee Locator System: https://locator.ice.gov. To search, you will need the Alien Number (A-Number) and country of birth, or first and last name, date of birth, and country of birth. The A-Number is an immigration identification number with 8 or 9 digits that appears on immigration documents and sometimes on the detainee’s wristband (e.g., A 000-000-000). If you still do not know the A-Number, try to get it when you are able to speak with your family member or through their attorney.
If they do not show up in the system
The person may still be in the intake process and not yet entered into the system, so try again later. If they were detained at the border or in another state, it may take longer for the information to appear.
What happens after an immigration arrest?
In general, the process after an ICE arrest includes: being detained in the street, at work, at home, in court, or other locations; being processed at an ICE office where fingerprints and immigration history are reviewed; and being transferred to a detention facility, which may be a local or county jail or a dedicated immigration detention center. Transfers to other states are common. This means your family member may end up far from where they were arrested, so using the locator and contacting an attorney quickly is very important.
Visits, phone calls, and sending money
Is it safe to visit a detained relative if I am undocumented?
Many detention centers do not check a visitor’s immigration status, but every facility is different. Before visiting, review the specific rules at www.ice.gov/detention-facilities, check ID and background check requirements, and if you are concerned about your own status, consult with an attorney first.
Getting on the approved visitors list
You must be approved by the detainee, show valid ID (according to facility rules), and follow assigned visiting schedules.
Phone calls and sending money
Each facility has its own systems to open phone accounts and deposit funds so detainees can call and buy basic items. Always verify official instructions directly with the facility to avoid scams.
How to find an immigration attorney
Immigration courts do not provide free attorneys. Detainees must hire an attorney or seek nonprofit legal assistance. Some jurisdictions provide government-funded attorneys to eligible detained immigrants, and some law schools have immigration clinics. In New York City, for example, certain immigrants may qualify for representation through the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP).
Beware of “notario” scams
In the U.S., a notary public is not an attorney and cannot provide immigration legal advice unless licensed as a lawyer. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees results or charges large fees without clear explanation.
How to find the immigration court hearing date
You can call the EOIR automated court system at 1-800-898-7180 or check online at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/ by entering the A-Number. If the system indicates an order of removal, a lawyer must be contacted immediately as no upcoming hearings may be scheduled.
Detention time and immigration bond
There is no standard detention time. A person may remain detained throughout the process or be released on a bond set by a judge or DHS. A bond allows release while the case proceeds, requiring the person to attend all hearings and follow legal instructions. Not everyone is eligible, depending on immigration history and criminal background.
Funds and organizations that help pay bonds
If a bond is granted but the family cannot afford it, some nonprofit organizations offer support, including: LGBTQ Freedom Fund, Black Immigrants Bail Fund, and Envision Freedom Fund. Each has its own eligibility rules.
Documenting what happened and reporting abuse
Write down everything you witnessed during the arrest: date, time, location, what agents said and did, any photos or videos, and names or badge numbers if safely possible. Some cities have immigrant rights hotlines to report raids or misconduct; search online by city or state.
How the Colombian Consulate in the U.S. can help
If the detainee is a Colombian citizen, the consulate can confirm detention location, provide information on legal resources, help contact family in Colombia, and issue documents. They cannot stop deportation or act as attorneys, but they can offer consular assistance and humanitarian support.
Quick action checklist if a family member is detained by ICE
- Confirm detention: Use the locator: locator.ice.gov
- Collect information: Name, date of birth, country of birth, A-Number
- Find an attorney experienced in detention cases
- Call EOIR: 1-800-898-7180 to confirm hearing details
- Ask the facility about communication and deposits
- Discuss bond options with the attorney
- Seek bond funds if needed
- Document the arrest thoroughly
- Contact the Colombian Consulate if applicable
- Avoid scams: Do not trust “notarios”
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal advice. Every immigration case is different. Acting quickly, staying calm, and finding trusted legal help can make a big difference in the outcome.