What is my next step?
In case your friend or family member is arrested:
- DO NOT panic
- Report the arrest
- Write down as many details as you can
- Identify the location of your friend or family member who has been arrested
Finding a Friend or Family Member
Possible locations:
- ICE
- Police
- Detention facility or jail
- Federal custody
- Other location
- If you are a family member, you are likely to receive a phone call within a few hours of arrest
- The person will appear in the ICE detainee locator within 24 hours after they are transferred to detention: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/homePage.do
Visiting a Friend or Family Member
- Locate the detention facility and learn about its specific rules here: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
- Learn if visitors background checks are required
- Do not disclose information that is not required
- Plan your route and parking options (detention facilities are generally not accessible by public transportation)
- Visitors cannot carry mobile phones, electronic devices, knives, tools.
- Visitors cannot wear tights, shorts more than 4 inches above the knee, sleeveless shirts, bare shoulders tops, low neckline tops, flip flops.
- Visitors are searched and scanned through metal detector.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.
Getting in Touch
- Locate the jail and learn about its specific rules here https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
Sending Mail
Your letter should include the following:
- Detained person’s name
- The last four digits of their A number
- Your name and address.
Sending an urgent Message
- Call the facility
- Tell the detained person’s name and their A number
- Tell your name and telephone number
Sending Packages and Money
Sending Packages
- Only items needed for release or travel are permitted
- Contents are screened
- Call the facility to request a permission to send a package
Sending Money
- Send a USPS money order that should include their jail number. Funds are deposited to the detainee’s commissary account; OR
- Deposit funds you the detained person’s phone account by calling +1-866-348- 6231 or online at www.talton.com. A-number is required.