Your Rights as a Family Member
Even though your loved one is detained, you have rights:
- Right to hire an attorney for your family member
- Right to visit (subject to facility rules)
- Right to deposit funds for phone/commissary
- Right to file FOIA requests
- Right to contact congressional representatives
- Right to speak with media (with caution)
Immediate Steps When Someone Is Detained
First 24-48 Hours
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather documents | A-Number, immigration papers, IDs |
| 2 | Search ODLS | locator.ice.gov |
| 3 | Call ERO hotline | 1-888-351-4024 |
| 4 | Contact attorney | Immediately seek legal representation |
| 5 | Document everything | Times, dates, what happened |
| 6 | Do NOT sign anything | ICE may present documents—consult attorney first |
Critical Information to Collect
- [ ] Full legal name (as it appears on documents)
- [ ] Date of birth
- [ ] Country of birth
- [ ] A-Number (if known)
- [ ] Last known location
- [ ] Arresting agency (ICE, CBP, local police)
- [ ] Badge numbers of officers
- [ ] Names of witnesses
Communication with Detainees
Phone Systems
ICE facilities use expensive phone systems:
| Provider | How to Deposit |
|---|---|
| Securus | securustech.net |
| GettingOut | gettingout.com |
| ICSolutions | icsolutions.com |
Important:
- Calls are recorded (except attorney calls)
- Rates are extremely high
- Accounts need regular deposits
Video Visitation
Some facilities offer video visits. Check specific facility for:
- Scheduling requirements
- Account setup
- Equipment needed
In-Person Visitation
Each facility has different rules:
- Must be on approved visitor list
- Valid government ID required
- Dress code restrictions
- No contraband (phones, etc.)
- Schedule in advance
If You Cannot Locate Your Family Member
Red Flags
| Sign | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Not in ODLS | Transfer in progress, data lag, or deported |
| No phone calls | Solitary, lockdown, or medical emergency |
| Facility says "no record" | May have been transferred |
Immediate Actions
- Check EOIR (1-800-898-7180) for court docket
- Call all regional ERO offices
- Contact Freedom for Immigrants - Have detainee call 9233#
- File missing person report with advocacy organizations
- Contact congressional representative
Supporting Your Family Member
Depositing Money
Detainees need funds for:
- Phone calls
- Commissary (food, hygiene items)
- Tablet messaging
Sending Mail
- Address format: [Name], [A-Number], [Facility Address]
- No staples, paperclips, or stickers
- No Polaroids or thick card stock
- Photos must be standard prints
Legal Support
Your family member has the right to an attorney, but the government does not provide one for immigration cases.
Finding legal help:
- CLINIC legal network
- AILA lawyer referral
- Local immigration legal aid
- Law school clinics
What NOT To Do
| Don't | Why |
|---|---|
| Don't send original documents | May be lost or confiscated |
| Don't sign anything without attorney | Voluntary departure waivers are common |
| Don't provide ICE with additional information | Can be used against your family member |
| Don't post on social media without consulting attorney | May affect case |
| Don't send money to unknown "helpers" | Notario fraud is common |
Documentation Checklist
Keep a folder with:
- [ ] All immigration documents (copies)
- [ ] A-Number and receipt numbers
- [ ] Timeline of events (arrest, calls, visits)
- [ ] Phone/commissary deposit receipts
- [ ] All correspondence with ICE/USCIS
- [ ] Attorney contact information
- [ ] Witness information
- [ ] Photos of your family member
- [ ] FOIA requests filed
If Deportation Is Imminent
Signs of imminent removal:
- Transfer to staging hub (Alexandria, Mesa, Miami)
- Consular interview for travel documents
- Request for passport from family
- "Bag and baggage" order
Emergency Actions
- Contact attorney immediately
- File emergency stay of removal
- Call congressional office
- Alert advocacy organizations
Emergency Legal Intervention →
Resources
| Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| National Immigration Hotline | 1-844-363-1423 |
| ICE Detention Reporting | 1-888-351-4024 |
| Freedom for Immigrants | freedomforimmigrants.org |
| RAICES | 1-833-468-4664 |
| CLINIC | cliniclegal.org |
You Are Not Alone
Thousands of families navigate this system every day. Connect with:
- Local immigrant rights organizations
- Faith community support groups
- Legal aid clinics
- Community rapid response networks
Stay strong. Stay organized. Stay connected.