Stay Calm and Think Clearly
ICE detention is frightening, but panic will not help. Take a deep breath and focus on the immediate steps you need to take to protect your loved one.
What you need to know:
- Your loved one has the right to remain silent
- They should NOT sign any documents without legal representation
- They can request a lawyer at any time
- They have the right to make a phone call
- Everything they say can be used against them in court
Get the Detainee's Alien Number (A Number) and NTA
Every person detained by ICE receives an identification bracelet with a unique Alien number (A number). They will also receive a Notice to Appear (NTA), which is the document that starts removal proceedings. Both are essential for their case.
If they call you: If they call you: Ask them to read you the A number on their bracelet. Write it down immediately and keep it safe. Ask if they received a Notice to Appear (NTA).
If you don't hear from them: If you don't hear from them: You can still locate them using the ICE Detainee Locator (see Step 4 below).
⚠️ Important: Keep the A number safe. You'll need it to check their case status and communicate with ICE.
The NTA is the official charging document that initiates removal (deportation) proceedings. It lists the immigration violations alleged by ICE and notifies the person of their first immigration court hearing.
Sample Notice to Appear (NTA):
This is what an NTA looks like. Your loved one should receive this document from ICE.
What the NTA contains:
- The person's name and A-number
- The immigration violations (charges) against them
- The immigration court location
- The date and time of the first court hearing (if scheduled)
- Information about their rights, including the right to an attorney
🚨 CRITICAL: The NTA may not have a hearing date on it initially. If it says 'TBD' or is blank, the court will mail the hearing date later. DO NOT assume there is no hearing. Check the EOIR system regularly (Step 5).
What to do with the NTA: Give a copy to your attorney immediately. The NTA contains critical information needed to prepare your defense. Keep the original in a safe place.
Call Ana Immediately for Legal Representation
The sooner your loved one has legal representation, the better. Ana Paola Amaral-Muschlitz specializes in immigration detention cases and can provide immediate assistance.
EMERGENCY DETENTION HOTLINE
(305) 575-9531
Available 24/7 for urgent detention cases
- Your loved one's full name
- Their Alien number (A number) (if you have it)
- Where they were detained
- Any medical or mental health conditions
- Whether they have a criminal history
Use the ICE Detainee Locator
The ICE Detainee Locator is a free government tool that allows you to find where your loved one is being held and get basic information about their case.
- Visit the ICE website:www.ice.gov/detainee-locator
- Enter your loved one's information: You can search by name, date of birth, or A-number (if you have it)
- Find their location: The system will show which detention facility they're in and their custody status
- Get facility contact info: You can find the phone number to call the facility directly
- Check regularly: Their status may change, so check back frequently
Check Immigration Court Case Status
Your loved one's immigration case will be handled in immigration court. You can check the status of their case online using the EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) system.
- Visit the EOIR website:www.justice.gov/eoir/case-status
- Select your court location: Choose the immigration court where your loved one's case is being heard
- Enter their A-number or name: The A-number is the best way to search (it's on their detention bracelet)
- Review their hearing dates: You'll see when their next court hearing is scheduled
- Note important dates: Write down all hearing dates and deadlines
What you'll see:
- Hearing dates and times
- Court location
- Immigration judge assigned
- Case status (pending, scheduled, etc.)
✓ DO: Call Ana immediately • Keep the A number safe • Check the ICE locator regularly • Attend all court hearings • Provide documents to your attorney
✗ DON'T: Sign documents without legal advice • Promise to pay a bond you can't afford • Discuss the case with anyone except your attorney • Miss court dates • Ignore official notices
Don't Wait - Call Now
Every hour matters in detention cases. Get immediate legal representation from Ana Paola Amaral-Muschlitz.