What to Do If Someone is Apprehended by ICE

On May 12, 2016, Reuters reported that immigration authorities are planning another surge of arrests aimed at families and unaccompanied children who are 18 years of age or older. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) states that these operations “are limited to those who were apprehended at the border after January 1, 2014, have been ordered removed by an immigration court, and have no pending appeal or pending claim for asylum or other humanitarian relief under our laws.” For the full text of ICE’s official statement, see this Fox 11 Los Angeles news story.

We have learned that some families targeted in the raids have already been detained and unaccompanied children who have already turned 18 years of age will likely be detained in adult ICE facilities around the country.

In order to confirm whether someone is in ICE custody, you may first wish to contact the ERO office with jurisdiction over the location of the arrest, or use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). To access the online system, you will need the individual’s A# and country of birth, or alternatively, you can search by biographical information using first and last name, as well as country of birth (a date of birth may narrow down the search). This will help locate individuals who are 18 years of age or older, including UACs. Be aware that the ODLS does not always provide accurate information when using biographic information searches, especially if there is any error or discrepancy in the biographical data.

You should be able to reach an officer and request information, or receive a return call from the assigned Deportation Officer (DO) to review a particular case. DOs should also be able to provide you with fax and email contact information, as appropriate. Family members and legal representatives may leave a message with CCA staff, which will be provided to the detainee, who should be able to return the call.