How to Use the ICE Detainee Locator
If your family member was detained by ICE, the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) is the official government tool to find them. This guide walks you through both search methods and what to do with the results.
Open the ICE Detainee LocatorWhat is the ICE Detainee Locator?
ODLS is the public system from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) that shows where an adult is currently being held in ICE custody. It only lists people 18 or older who are currently detained or were released within the last 60 days. It is free and requires no account.
Option A — Search by A-Number (fastest and most accurate)
When to use the A-Number
The "A-Number" or "Alien Number" is a unique immigration ID that starts with the letter A followed by 8 or 9 digits (e.g., A123-456-789). If you have it, this is the most reliable way to search.
- Go to locator.ice.gov/odls/
- Choose the "Search By A-Number" tab
- Enter the A-Number without the leading A (just the 9 digits)
- Select the Country of Birth from the dropdown
- Click "Search"
Where can I find the A-Number?
Look on: green card, work permit (EAD), USCIS receipts (I-797), immigration court notices (NTA, EOIR-33), removal orders, or any letter from USCIS.
Option B — Search by name and biographical info
When to use name + biographical info
If you don't have the A-Number, you can search with personal data. It must match the ICE record exactly.
- Go to locator.ice.gov/odls/
- Choose the "Search By Biographical Information" tab
- Enter the First Name exactly as it appears on official documents
- Enter the Last Name — use the surname from the passport or birth certificate
- Select the Country of Birth
- Select the Date of Birth
- Click "Search"
Important tips:
- Try name variations: with and without accents, with middle name, mother's surname separate or combined
- For Latin American countries, ICE sometimes reverses the order: try the paternal surname first
- If the person has a compound name (Maria Jose), try both forms
- The date of birth must be exact; one day off and they won't show up
If they don't show up in the system
Not appearing doesn't mean they aren't detained. Possible reasons:
- They've been detained less than 8 hours (the system is slow to update)
- They are being transferred between facilities
- They are under 18 (minors don't appear in public ODLS)
- Biographical data doesn't match the record exactly
- They are under CBP (border) custody and not yet transferred to ICE
What to do if you can't find them:
- Call the nearest ERO Field Office (official list: ice.gov/contact/ero)
- Retry every 4-6 hours during the first 48 hours
- Contact your country's consulate — they often confirm custody
- Call the national United We Dream hotline: 1-844-363-1423
If you found them — next steps
- Write down the exact detention facility and A-Number
- Find the facility phone number for visits and money deposits
- Do not sign anything before speaking with an immigration lawyer
- Gather documents: passport, ID, I-94, work permits, USCIS receipts, court orders
- Consider opening a case on MiSignal to coordinate legal and financial help
Frequently asked questions
Is the ICE Detainee Locator free?
Yes. It's a public, official ICE tool. Never pay sites that charge to "look up" detainees — those are scams.
Does it show the full detention history?
No. It only shows people currently in custody or released within the last 60 days.
Why doesn't my underage relative show up?
Minors under 18 are in ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement) custody, not ICE. Call 1-800-203-7001 to locate them.
What if the detention facility is in another state?
ICE transfers detainees frequently. Check ODLS every 24-48 hours because the location may change.
Do I need a lawyer to use the ODLS?
Not to search, but yes for everything that follows. Hiring an immigration lawyer is your next urgent step.
Is your family member detained right now?
MiSignal helps families coordinate a lawyer, bond, and communication with the detention center in under 24 hours.
Open Detention Mode