Online Detainee Locator System
detainee location · A-Number search · biographical search
Source reviewed 2026-09-30Find the person before trying to solve the whole case
How to Find Someone Detained by ICE
How families can use the ICE locator, A-Number, biographical search, EOIR case information, and detention-facility records to identify where a person is held and what happens next.
Direct answer
What information works best in the ICE locator?
The A-Number is usually the cleanest search key. ICE requires a nine-digit A-Number and country of birth. A name search requires an exact first and last name plus country of birth. A missing result does not prove the person is not in immigration custody.
On this page
A-Number first, exact name second
If the A-Number has fewer than nine digits, ICE instructs users to add leading zeros. Name searches require exact spelling, which makes aliases, hyphens, and transliteration important.
No result is a clue, not an answer
Possible explanations include recent arrest, transfer, CBP custody, local criminal custody, spelling mismatch, or a record not yet available in the locator.
Check EOIR separately
The detention locator and the immigration-court system answer different questions. EOIR information may show a court case or hearing, while ICE identifies custody location. Official notices remain controlling.
Transfers can change the court that has bond jurisdiction
Current EOIR guidance ties bond venue to the place of detention in circumstances covered by the regulation. A transfer can therefore matter immediately.
Questions people actually ask
Frequently asked questions
Can I search a minor in the ICE locator?
ICE states that the public Online Detainee Locator System cannot search for people under 18.
Does the ICE locator show the immigration judge?
Not necessarily. Use EOIR case information and court notices separately to identify the immigration court and hearing information.
Should I rely on a social-media post saying where someone was taken?
No. Preserve the lead, but verify custody through ICE, the facility, counsel, or official case information.
Authority and current-source review
Official sources supporting this page
These links identify primary or official materials used to control material legal and procedural statements. They are not a substitute for advice about a particular matter.
Immigration Court Information
case status · hearing information · Automated Case Information
Source reviewed 2026-09-308.3 - Bond Proceedings
bond jurisdiction · bond requests · danger · flight risk
Source reviewed 2026-09-30The next useful move
Put the facts, documents, dates, and procedural posture in one place
Bring the immigration history, notices, filings, travel history, court records, criminal dispositions if any, and the next known deadline. The right answer usually turns on the record, not a label.
Important legal and service limitations
This page provides general information about U.S. immigration law and procedure. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not guarantee eligibility, release, admission, approval, reopening, naturalization, or any other result.