If Your Loved One is Detained


We know this is a sensitive topic, but being informed and prepared can make a big difference for you and your family.
Quick help if your loved one is detained

Report a detention / ICE activity: PIRC: 1-888-622-1510 (24/7)

Free legal help: ECO: 1-888-274-7292, (M–F, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Find someone in custody: ICE Online Detainee Locator

This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For assistance on your specific case, talk to your immigration attorney or to get enrolled in ECO at 1-888-274-7292.

PREPARE

Know your rights.
Everyone in the U.S. has constitutional rights, regardless of status. You can download a printable Know Your Rights Card that you can carry with you and share it with your family English, Spanish

Avoid encounters with the law.
Avoid any activity that could draw unnecessary attention. Even minor infractions can lead to ICE being alerted.

Apply for your Oregon state ID and carry that with you.
Do not carry any false identity documents or false immigration documents.

Keep all immigration appointments.
If you have a process or application open, comply with all your requirements and appointments.

Enroll in ECO or get an immigration attorney.
Consult your immigration attorney or enroll in ECO (Equity Corps de Oregon) to get free immigration legal services. To enroll in ECO, call 1-888-274-7292.

Make a Family Preparedness Plan.
Detention or deportation affects the whole family, especially children. It’s crucial to prepare your family in case the worst happens. Learn more below and use the guide at Latino Network.

Who is at risk of detention?

ICE enforcement often prioritize people who:
– Are arrested by police and charged with a crime
– Have prior deportation orders
– Are recent arrivals subject to expedited removal
– Fail to comply with check-ins or court appointments

Other vulnerable individuals:
– People who failed to maintain a legal immigration status
– Undocumented individuals with no criminal record

Even if you don’t think you fit into these categories or your risk is low, it’s best to make a Family Preparedness Plan.

What is ECO and who should enroll?

Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO) provides free immigration legal assistance to eligible Oregonians.

Eligibility requirements:
– You must live in Oregon
– Your household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
– You must be at risk of deportation or need help with an immigration legal matter.

Enroll in ECO by calling 1-888-274-7292 (M–F, 9am–6pm)

What is PIRC and when should I call?

Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) supports immigration rights in Oregon and provides a 24/7 hotline to:

– document ICE activity
– dispatch legal observers
– report detentions for rapid response

Call the PIRC hotline at 1-888-622-1510.

 

Make a Family Preparedness Plan before a detention

Detention or deportation affects the whole family, especially children. It’s crucial to prepare your family in case the worst happens. This is called a Family Preparedness Plan.

Inform and involve your whole family.
Have honest conversations with your family members, close friends, and your children’s school or daycare about the possibility of detention.

Designate a children’s caregiver.
Choose a caregiver(preferably a U.S. citizen or permanent resident). Let the school or daycare know who can pick up the kids. Children should know who will take care of them so they do not end up in state custody if a parent is detained.

Gather important documents in one folder and make copies for a trusted family member or friend.
Include:
– passports for all family members
– birth certificates
– IDs & A-Number
– immigration papers
– Medical and school records for the children and any family member with a medical condition,
– property records,

Make an emergency contact list.
Include phone numbers for schools, caregivers, your immigration attorney, ECO call center (1-888-274-7292), PIRC hotline (1-888-622-1510), and close family/friends.

Gather letters and evidence of good character.
It can help to have documents that show your positive ties to the community, good moral character, and continuous presence in case your lawyer needs them for a bond hearing or immigration relief. Collect:
– letters of support
– volunteer recognitions and awards
– church affiliation documents
– criminal and traffic records (even if minor)
– medical records for you and your children

Review the plan together.
Talk with your family so everyone knows what to do and who to call if you or a loved one is detained.

Family Preparedness Plan resources, templates, and checklists:
– ILRC’s Step-By-Step Guide: English, Spanish
– Latino Network’s Protect Your Family Guide: English/Spanish

SUPPORT YOUR DETAINED LOVED ONE

What should I do first if my loved one is detained?

If your loved one is detained, try to stay calm and focus on gathering information and getting legal help quickly.

Gather information.
Have your loved one’s full name, date of birth, country of birth, and their A-Number (Alien Registration Number).

Find the A-Number.
The A-Number can be found in work permits, green cards, and USCIS documents, usually a 8 or 9 digit number. Keep this number as part of your Family Preparedness Plan.

Call the PIRC hotline.
Report the detention to PIRC at 1-888-622-1510.

Contact ECO or your immigration lawyer.
Inform ECO or your immigration lawyer about the detention immediately. Call ECO 1-888-274-7292 (M–F, 9am–6pm).

Use your Family Preparedness Plan.
Contact childcare arrangements, inform of detention, and gather the documents you collected to share with the lawyer.

How do I find where my loved one is being held?

You can use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to find where your loved one is being held.

– You will need the person’s full name, country of birth, and A-Number.
– Check again if they do not appear. If not listed yet, try again later. It can take a few days for the system to update.
– Once you know the facility, you can arrange communication and legal help.
– If you speak with your loved one, stay calm and reassuring. Remind them not to sign anything without a lawyer, that you are getting them legal help, and that the Family Preparedness Plan is in motion.

What rights does my loved one have while in detention?

People in immigration detention still have important rights.

Right to remain silent and to speak to a lawyer.
They do not have to answer questions. They should not sign anything without legal advice.

Right to a free interpreter.
They have the right to an interpreter at no cost for any interactions. They should inform any officer they interact with that they need an interpreter and clearly state the language they speak fluently. If they are not fluent in a language, they should not mention that they speak that language.

Basic human rights and communication.
They have the right to food, shelter, medical care if needed. They are allowed to make phone calls to family (at a cost) or lawyers (at no cost). If these are not met, they should inform their lawyer immediately.

What is an immigration bond? Who may qualify?

An immigration bond is a financial guarantee to the government that the person in detention will attend their immigration hearings and follow court orders. It is not insurance, but a promise backed by money.

What a bond does.
By paying the bond amount, you secure your loved one’s release from custody while their immigration case continues.

When the money is returned.
If the person attends all hearings and follows orders, the bond money will be returned at the end of the case. If they miss a court date or disobey an order, the money can be lost.

Who may not qualify.
Not everyone qualifies for bond. People with certain criminal records, prior deportations, or pending asylum cases may be ineligible.

What judges consider.
Judges look mainly at:
– danger to the community
– Risk that the person will not return to court (“flight risk”)

Find more information and answers to bond common questions:English, Spanish

How can I advocate for my detained loved one?

Having a loved one in detention means you are their advocate on the outside. Family members and friends can play an important role in supporting their legal case.

Be the main point of contact.
Be the primary contact (or designate one person) for family members and the lawyer. Answer quickly and share requested documents.

Provide emotional support.
Send letters, make phone calls, visit if visits are allowed). Knowing they are not alone can make a big difference.

Organize letters of support and evidence of good moral character.
Ask family, friends, employers, teachers, faith leaders, and neighbors to help.

Help raise funds if needed.
You can help raise funds from family, friends, or community members for phone calls, commissary, or legal fees.

How do I send money to my loved one while in detention?

While in detention, people can receive money to pay for phone calls, extra food or toiletries (commissary), and mail.

– First, locate your loved one. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator.

– Use the A-Number and name. Make sure you include the detainee name and A-Number to ensure the money is added to the correct account.

Ways to deposit money:

By mail (money order only):
Use a money order and include the detainee name and A-number. Do not send cash. Mail to:

[Detainee Name]
[A-Number]
1623 East J Street, Suite 5
Tacoma, Washington 98421-1615

Online:
You can make deposits online for commissary or phone calls at https://pay.gettingout.com/ui#/deposit_type

By phone:
Call 1-866-345-1884 or 1-866-516-0115

Both you and your loved one should receive a receipt for any funds deposited. Keep your receipts.

KEY NUMBERS & GUIDES