The purpose of this page is to provide general information and education to the friends and family members of people in immigration detention.No information shared below constitutes an endorsement or guarantee, but rather general information that PIRC understands to be accurate at the time of publication. PIRC does not control and is not responsible for linked information. The links and information contained below are reviewed and updated as frequently as practicable but may not be current. If you encounter anything inaccurate in this document, or have questions not answered, please contact PIRC at info@pirclaw.org.
1. How to find someone in detention
To search for someone in immigration detention, you can use the ICE Detainee Locator. Detailed instructions are available in multiple languages.Use this link to locate your friend/family member if they have been detained by ICE: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search. Search by either A# & country of birth, or person’s biographical information.
ICE has information (including location and contact information) for the detention centers it uses on its website: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
- Is under 18 years old.
- Is in a facility that ICE has not been using for very long.
- Is in criminal custody.
- Has been entered into the detainee locator database incorrectly.For example, names are often misspelled. You may want to try searching for common misspellings.
- Left the custody of immigration authorities more than 60 days ago.
- Was just recently arrested. It may be too soon for the Detainee Locator to havebeen updated. Try again periodically (e.g., the next morning).
2.What do I need to know about "A-numbers"?
What is an “Alien Number” or “A-Number”?
A person’s A-number is their identification number for US immigration authorities. It is assigned by DHS and consists of the letter “A” followed by eight or nine digits. The A-Number may be found on most official DHS documents.
Why do I need to know my friend or loved one’s A-number?
Most commonly, an A-number can be used to try locating a friend or loved one in detention,or to get information about their hearing with the Immigration Court.
What if I don’t know my friend or loved one’s A-number?
No one has an A-number until they are assigned one by immigration authorities. If this is your friend or loved one’s first contact with immigration authorities, they may have just been assigned an A-number for the first time. Try to remember to ask your friend or loved one for their A-number when you speak to them, as it may be useful in the future.
If your friend or loved one ever had legal immigration status in the United States, any official documents from DHS likely included their A-number.
2.Why haven't I heard from my friend or loved one?
They may not have your phone number. Cell phones and most personal effects are confiscated when someone is brought into the facility. Consider writing them a letter with your phone number included.
Your friend or loved one may have your phone number but be concerned about the facility listening to your phone call or having your telephone number.
