If you or a family member has been detained or is facing deportation, you may be feeling frightened or overwhelmed. It is important to know that you are not alone and that resources are available to support you. The resources in this section provide an overview of what to expect if someone is detained or is experiencing a potential deportation, how to locate a loved one if they have been picked up or transferred to ICE, and more.

Please note that this information is general guidance, each case is unique and it is strongly recommended that you work with a lawyer as soon as possible under all of these circumstances to fully assess all legal options.

If someone you know or care about has been arrested or detained by ICE or transferred to an immigration detention center, locating them is the first step to supporting them. You can still find someone in detention even if they have not reached you by phone.

People arrested by ICE will first be processed by officers in an ICE Detention and Removal Office or a short‐term facility (such as a county jail) for up to 72 hours. Then, they may be transferred to another place for a longer‐term stay, often out‐of‐state. Some people may be transferred several times in the first few weeks. Transfers usually occur without notice to family members or lawyers.  

Here is how to find someone in immigration detention over the age of 18.

Here is how to find someone in immigration under the age of 18.

Here is what to expect if you visit someone in immigration detention.

Here is what you can do if ICE‐DRO will not release the information of the person you are searching for.

• Get a specific reason for the refusal.    
• Explain your role (i.e. community organizer, family member etc) in the process.   
• Explain that you are serving as a translator for a family member who cannot speak English (if that is true).
• Ask to speak to a supervisory deportation officer or the ICE Field Office Director (the person who runs ICE Detention and Removal in your area).
• If there is still not a response, you can try the consulate from the possible detainee’s country of origin.

If you are undocumented or have questions about your immigration status, you should immediately seek out an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative to represent and advise you. Immigration law is complicated, and an attorney can help you understand if you qualify for existing legal pathways, or if you should set up legal guardians for your children in case anything happens. It is estimated that 1.2 million undocumented people may be eligible for some form of immigration relief, so seek counsel.

Find more resources and materials on finding a trusted lawyer here. 

Though we hope you never have to experience this first hand, if you are anticipating a potential detention, undergoing deportation, or have received removal orders, it is important to learn and be prepared with an understanding of institutions and tactics available to defend your case. This is a general overview of what to expect in a deportation process. This may not reflect all experiences, as each case is unique. It is strongly recommended that anyone experiencing detention work with an immigration lawyer.

Go to page 24 of this resource for an overview of the detention and deportation process. 

If you are having issues finding your loved one or someone you suspect has been placed in immigration custody through USCIS and cannot locate them, you may reach out to that person’s consulate. Consular officers must protect their nationals. Consulates are required by law to be notified when one of their nationals is detained, and should be able to help you locate your loved one or friend. Look up country consulates here. 

Many non-citizens in immigration detention are eligible for bond, unless they are subject to mandatory detention and thus “ineligible for bond.” If you are in immigration detention awaiting removal proceedings, you may request a bond hearing from the immigration judge either orally during your removal proceeding or in writing through a written motion. You can make an oral request for a bond hearing at your first scheduled court appearance, often referred to as your  Master Calendar Hearing. If, however, you are in detention for longer than a few days without receiving a notice of a hearing, you can make a written request for a bond hearing.

If a person’s case is very compelling, or you feel that there is nothing to lose, supportive elected officials and journalists can be instrumental in stopping deportations. Members of Congress should contact the ICE Field Officer Director directly to raise concerns around a deportation.

Even after a loved one is deported to their country of origin, there are still ways for you to support and care for them. It is critical that the deported person and their family members continue to receive financial and community support.

1. Start a personal fundraising page to the support your family member or friend who has been deported, for the family that is left behind, or to cover ongoing legal fees.
2. Gather a list of in-country resources in country for your loved one. Here is a list of resources by  country of origin:
   1. Mexico
   2. Guatemala
   3. El Salvador
   4. Cambodia
   5. Haiti 
   6. Jamaica 
3. Be emotionally supportive and provide access to emotional and spiritual resources. Find more resources and materials on emotional and mental health here. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a deportation process, has been detained, or has removal orders, it can be emotionally overwhelming. If you are looking for emotional or spiritual support there are a list of people and places that can support you. It is critical that throughout the process you receive the emotional and spiritual support you need to confront the experience with the strength and attention it deserves. Find more resources and materials on emotional and mental health here.