What to do if ICE detains a family member
When ICE detains a family member, the first 48 hours are confusing and frightening. These are the steps that help most, in order.
1. Gather the basic information
To locate a detained person you need their full name as it appears on their documents, date of birth, and country of origin. If you have their A-number (a number that starts with "A" followed by eight or nine digits, printed on any earlier immigration paperwork), write it down. That number opens every door.
2. Locate the person
ICE has an online search for detained people: the ICE Online Detainee Locator. You can search by A-number and country, or by name, date of birth, and country. Sometimes the person does not appear during the first hours. Try again. People detained in Wisconsin are often transferred to centers in other states, so the location can change.
3. Do not sign anything without an attorney
A detained person may be offered a "voluntary departure" or other papers to sign. Some of those documents give up the right to see a judge. Tell your family member, by phone, not to sign anything until they speak with an attorney. They have the right to make a call and to speak with a lawyer.
4. Beware of anyone offering to "fix" the case fast
Only a licensed attorney or an accredited representative can represent someone before immigration. A "notario" or "immigration consultant" cannot, even if they charge. Before paying anyone, ask for their license number and verify it.
5. Ask about bond
Many detained people can ask the immigration judge for a bond hearing. Others, because of certain criminal history or the way they entered the country, are not eligible. An attorney can review the case and tell you whether bond is an option and what evidence helps.
6. Start gathering documents now
For a bond hearing it helps to show that the person has roots here and is not a danger:
- Proof of how long they have lived in the United States (receipts, leases, letters, school records).
- Proof of family: children's birth certificates, marriage certificate, family members' immigration status.
- Tax returns and employment letters.
- Support letters from church, community, or employer.
- Any paperwork from past criminal cases, if there were any.
7. Call an attorney early
Hearings in the immigration system are scheduled quickly and every decision has a deadline. The sooner an attorney reviews the case, the more options stay open.