ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
The primary public tool for locating individuals is the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov.
Required Information
To search, you need either:
- A-Number (Alien Registration Number) + Country of Birth, OR
- Full biographical information: First name, last name, date of birth, country of birth
Critical Limitations
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| 8+ hour data lag | Individuals may not appear for days after apprehension |
| No fuzzy matching | Name must match exactly as entered by intake officer |
| Spelling variations | Hyphenated names, maternal/paternal surname order may cause failures |
| Juveniles excluded | No records for individuals under 18 |
| Transfer gaps | Records disappear during facility transfers |
A-Number Format
The A-Number is a 9-digit identifier beginning with "A" (e.g., A012345678).
- If you have an 8-digit number, add a leading zero
- Find A-Numbers on: Work permits, green cards, I-797 USCIS receipts, prior court notices
Step-by-Step Family Checklist
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the A-Number - Search personal records for any USCIS documents | Bypasses biographical search errors |
| 2 | Query locator.ice.gov - Try varied spellings, hyphenations, surname inversions | Overcomes lack of fuzzy logic |
| 3 | Check local jails - Query county sheriff inmate rosters online | ICE uses 48-hour detainers before transfer |
| 4 | Call ERO Field Office - 1-888-351-4024 or regional office | Can bypass data lag |
| 5 | Activate community networks - Freedom for Immigrants, RAICES | Capture real-time transfers |
| 6 | Contact the consulate - Unless seeking asylum | Diplomatic channels to verify custody |
ERO Field Office Contacts
| Field Office | Coverage | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | GA, NC, SC | (404) 893-1400 | Atlanta.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| Boston | CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT | (781) 359-7500 | Boston.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| Buffalo | Upstate NY | (716) 464-5800 | Buffalo.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| Denver | CO, WY | (719) 586-3002 | Denver.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| Phoenix | AZ | (602) 257-5900 | Phoenix.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| San Diego | San Diego, Imperial Counties | — | SanDiego.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
| Washington | DC, VA | — | Washington.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov |
Note: Officers will not disclose information without verified familial relationship or Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney).
Community & Unofficial Methods
Freedom for Immigrants Hotline
Detained individuals can call 9233# from any ICE facility (free, unmonitored).
This allows advocates to:
- Establish initial contact
- Record current location
- Relay information to family
Regional Rapid Response Networks
| Organization | Region | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| RAICES | Texas | 1-833-468-4664 |
| Immigrant Defense Project | New York | 1-212-725-6422 |
| Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice | Southern CA | Regional hotline |
EOIR Case Lookup
Call 1-800-898-7180 to query immigration court dockets. Court assignment often indicates detention facility location.
FOIA Requests
If all else fails, file a Freedom of Information Act request:
- A-File records: National Archives (older files) or ICE FOIA Office
- Processing time: Weeks to months (not useful for emergencies)
- Creates legal baseline: Important for future litigation
What To Do Next
- Document everything - Times, dates, who you spoke with
- Secure legal counsel - Contact local immigration legal aid
- Prepare for transfer - Person may be moved without notice
- Know the red flags - Missing in Detention Guide →