Finding out ICE detained a family member can be stressful and start a family crisis. However, you are not totally helpless. The law allows family members to find a relative in Florida quickly by searching federal databases or checking local jail records before a transfer happens.
Check the federal online locator system
The fastest way to find someone in federal custody is through the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. You need specific details about the detained person to search this database. The system offers two search methods:
- A-number: You can find this seven- to nine-digit ID number on official immigration documents such as work permits or green cards.
- Biographical information: You must enter the person’s exact legal name, date of birth and country of birth.
If the system shows no results, local police might still hold the person.
Search local Florida county jail records
Local police hold people before moving them to federal immigration centers. If police arrest someone in a major area such as Miami or Orlando, that person will likely go to a county jail first. Many Florida counties post their inmate search tools online.
When local police arrest a non-citizen, federal agents can place an immigration hold on them. This hold keeps the person in the local jail for up to 48 hours past their planned release, skipping weekends and holidays. Searching county arrest records helps families pinpoint exactly where police hold someone before that transfer happens. Finding their current jail is the first step toward securing their release.
Next steps after locating a relative in custody
Confirming a family member’s exact location builds the base for their defense. The window to gather documents, understand the charges and prepare for a bond hearing closes fast. Early planning gives people the best chance to avoid sudden deportation and fight to stay in the United States.
An experienced attorney can review the custody status and build a plan for release. Lawyers who know Florida immigration courts can act fast before a facility transfer makes the problem harder to solve.
