What to Do If Your Loved One Is Detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

By Noreen L. Barcena

The experience of having a loved one detained by ICE can be terrifying and overwhelming. But there are steps you can take immediately to protect their rights and fight for their release. Here’s what you need to know.

Step 1: Determine If There Is a Prior Removal or Deportation Order

The most critical first step is to find out whether your loved one has ever been:

 • Previously removed (deported) from the U.S., or

 • Issued an active order of removal (also known as a deportation order).

If either of these apply, ICE may attempt to deport your loved one quickly—sometimes within hours or just a few days, depending on their country of origin. In these cases, you must act fast. While success isn’t guaranteed, immediate legal action may delay or stop the removal process and give you time to explore defenses.

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Step 2: Locate the Alien Number (A-Number)

If your loved one has ever had contact with immigration authorities, they have likely been assigned an Alien Registration Number, or A-Number. This number is critical for tracking their case, locating them in ICE custody, and communicating with ICE or the immigration courts.

You can often find the A-number on past immigration paperwork, notices to appear in court, or employment authorization cards.

Step 3: Know Where ICE May Be Holding Them

If your loved one was detained in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, they are likely processed first at:

300 N. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA – Basement B-18.

This is ICE’s processing facility in downtown Los Angeles. After processing, detainees may be transferred to other detention centers depending on availability and the nature of the case.

Step 4: Understand Who ICE Is Targeting

Based on reports from our clients and other immigration attorneys, ICE is currently focusing enforcement efforts on individuals who:

• Have expired DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

• Have pending or past criminal cases (even if the conviction is old or minor)

• Have active removal or deportation orders

It is more important than ever to stay informed, especially if your loved one falls into one of these categories.

Step 5: Gather Supporting Documents for the Attorney

Speak to an immigration attorney immediately. To prepare for the consultation, have the following available if possible:

• Proof of family ties, such as copies of birth certificates showing U.S. citizen or resident children

• Marriage certificates showing a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse

• Documents showing a parent is a citizen or resident

• Any immigration court or ICE documents your loved one has received in the past

These details can be crucial in building a defense and requesting a bond, stay of removal, or reopening of a case.

Final Thoughts: Not Every Case Ends in Deportation

A detention by ICE doesn’t automatically mean deportation is inevitable. With the right legal guidance and quick action, many individuals are able to:

• Seek bond

• File motions to reopen or stay removal

• Apply for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or waivers

At Barcena Law Offices, we are ready to stand by your side, protect your loved one’s rights, and fight for every possible option to keep families together.

If your loved one has been detained by ICE, call us immediately at 626-898-7200.

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