What to Do If Someone Is Arrested by ICE

If someone is detained by ICE, the first 24–72 hours can feel like a blackout: people get transferred, phones don’t work, and families don’t know who to call. The best response is calm, organized, and consistent—because small mistakes early (signing papers, guessing facts, posting online) can create big problems later.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration situations vary a lot, so getting help from a qualified immigration attorney or a reputable nonprofit legal organization as soon as possible is one of the most important steps you can take.

The 10-minute checklist (do this immediately)

1) Stay calm and do not physically resist

If you are present during the arrest, do not interfere physically. Focus on collecting information and keeping everyone safe. Physical resistance can lead to additional criminal charges and may make the situation worse.

2) Gather the person’s key identifiers (write them down)

You will need this information to locate the person, speak with facilities, and help a lawyer act quickly:

Full legal name (exact spelling)
Date of birth
Country of birth
A-Number (Alien Registration Number), if they have one
Any immigration paperwork details (past court dates, notices, old case numbers)

The A-Number is the single most useful identifier for locating someone in ICE custody.

3) Document the arrest details

As soon as possible, write down:

Date/time and exact location
Names and badge numbers (if visible)
Whether it appeared to be ICE/ERO/HSI, CBP, or local police working with them
Vehicle markings and license plates (if you can safely see them)
Where agents said the person was being taken
Any documents agents left behind (photograph them)

4) Do not let them sign anything “to get out faster”

People are sometimes pressured to sign forms they don’t understand. The safest default is:

Do not sign anything until a lawyer reviews it.

This includes “voluntary departure” or any paper that sounds like it speeds things up.

What the detained person should say (simple scripts)

If you can communicate with the person (during the arrest or later), these simple phrases help protect their rights:

Script 1: Stay silent

“I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Script 2: Ask for a lawyer

“I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Script 3: Don’t consent to searches

“I do not consent to a search.”

They should also avoid discussing immigration status, where they were born, or how they entered the U.S. until they’ve spoken to legal counsel.

How to find someone after an ICE arrest

Step 1: Expect a delay

It can take time for a detainee to appear in locator systems—especially if they were briefly held by another agency or moved between locations. A delay of a day or more can happen.

Step 2: Use the ICE detainee locator system

There is an official online detainee locator. You usually need one of the following:

A-Number + country of birth, or
Name + date of birth + country of birth

Be exact with spelling and dates. If you don’t find them on the first try, try variations (for example, hyphenated names, middle names, or different spellings used on documents).

Step 3: Keep checking for transfers

ICE transfers people between facilities. If you find them once and then they “disappear,” it may be because they were moved. Keep checking daily.

Step 4: Check immigration court case status (if relevant)

If the person has an immigration case—or you suspect a case is being opened—there is an official EOIR (immigration court) case status system (phone/online). This can help you see if hearings are scheduled and where.

Call a lawyer fast (and what to prepare)

Even one good consult can prevent irreversible mistakes.

What to collect for the lawyer/nonprofit

Have this ready in one place (notes app is fine):

Full name, DOB, country of birth, A-Number
Where/when detained and any paperwork
Immigration history: visas, green card, asylum claims, prior orders, past court dates
Criminal history details (if any) — be honest; surprises are bad
Family ties: spouse, children, caregiving responsibilities
Community ties: job, lease, school, medical needs

Important reality check

In immigration detention, the government does not always provide free counsel the way criminal court does. That’s why finding legal help quickly matters.

If money is a problem, look for reputable nonprofit immigrant legal services in the area where the person is detained.

Bond, release, and “don’t get scammed” rules

Ask: is the person eligible for bond or release?

Some people can request release or bond; others face restrictions depending on the situation. This is very fact-specific, and it’s where an attorney is hugely valuable.

Avoid scams

Detentions attract scammers. Basic rules:

Do not trust random callers claiming they can “pay ICE” to release someone.
Do not send money through gift cards, wire transfers to strangers, or unofficial payment methods.
Only pay bonds through legitimate, verified channels, and keep receipts.

If someone pressures you to pay urgently over the phone, treat it as suspicious.

If ICE comes to a home: what to do

Home encounters are where families accidentally waive rights.

Key rule: you don’t have to open the door

If agents are at the door:

Ask who they are
Ask them to show a warrant
Ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can read it

Script to use through the door

“I do not consent to you entering my home. Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?”

Do not open the door just because they say “ICE.” If you open the door and step back, it can be treated like consent in some circumstances.

If you’re a friend or witness: how to help without interfering

Helpful: document what happened

From a safe distance, write down or record (where lawful):

Time/location, number of agents
What was said
Badge numbers (if visible)
Vehicles/plates
Whether force was used
Whether a warrant was shown

Not helpful: physical interference

Do not block agents or physically intervene. It can expose you to charges and can worsen the detained person’s situation.

Consulates: helpful sometimes, risky sometimes

People in detention often have the ability to contact their consulate. Consulates can sometimes assist with:

confirming identity documents
welfare checks
basic coordination for families

Important caution: If the person fears their home government or is seeking asylum, do not contact the consulate without legal advice.

Family survival steps (kids, bills, meds)

Detention creates immediate emergencies. While the legal process starts, handle these practical items:

Childcare and school pickups

Confirm who can pick up children from school/daycare
Make a simple written plan for the next week
Tell schools/daycares who is authorized

Medical needs

Write down medications, allergies, and conditions
If you can contact the facility, ask how medical care requests work
Keep copies/photos of prescriptions if possible

Money and documents

Secure passports, IDs, immigration paperwork, and important mail
If possible, ensure a trusted person can access rent/utilities and important accounts
Keep all paperwork together in one folder (physical or digital)