If someone in your family is detained
The first two days matter most. Here’s what to write down, who to call and what to refuse while you find out where your relative is.
Write down what you know
- Full name, exactly as it appears on a passport or ID
- Date and country of birth
- Their A-number, if they’ve ever had one
- Where and when they were picked up
- Any medicine they take every day
Find out where they are
The government’s online detainee locator searches by A-number, or by name and country of birth. It can take a day or two for a new arrival to show up, so check again in the evening.
Don’t sign, don’t pay
Your relative may be handed papers to sign, including voluntary departure. They can ask to speak with a lawyer first. Don’t pay anyone who promises a release; no one can promise that.
Call a lawyer early
In many cases a bond hearing can be requested quickly, and the evidence for it comes from the family: proof of address, work, children and ties to the community. Start a folder today.
Keep the A-number on a slip of paper in your wallet. It’s the first thing anyone helping you will ask for.
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your case. If someone is detained now, call the office at (714) 555-0148.