When a family member or friend is taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the first few hours are often filled with confusion and anxiety. Knowing where they are being held is the critical first step in securing legal representation or arranging a visit. The primary tool for this is the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS), a public database managed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Understanding the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
The ODLS is a searchable database which shows the location of individuals aged 18 years or older who are currently detained by ICE or who had been detained by ICE within the 60 days prior to searching it. Adult males and females are the only types of detainees tracked – juveniles (under 18) will not appear in the ODLS. The system updates daily but may take some time (usually several hours) for any newly detained person’s information to be reflected in the system after having been detained by ICE.
By 2026, ODLS will continue to be the best method for tracking the movement of individuals who have been transferred from one location to another facility within the Department of Justice and others. If your loved one has been relocated from a local processing center to a long-term detention contract facility, ODLS will show this change in both the facility name and number so that legal documents and mail can be delivered to them without delay.
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Searching by A-Number: The most accurate method
The most effective way to search the system is by using the Alien Registration Number (A-Number). This is a unique seven-, eight-, or nine-digit number assigned to non-citizens. You can find this number on any previous immigration documents, such as work permits, green cards, or the Notice to Appear (NTA) issued at the time of detention.
When searching by A-Number, you must also provide the individual’s Country of Birth. This dual-verification method ensures that you are locating the correct person, even if they share a common name with other detainees. If the A-Number has fewer than nine digits, you should add leading zeros at the beginning to reach the required nine-digit format for the search bar.
You can also read: Bringing Parents to the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide for Citizens
Searching by biographical information: Tips for success
If you do not have the A-Number, you can search using biographical information: First Name, Last Name, and Country of Birth. This method is more prone to errors due to spelling variations or aliases. When entering the name, it must be an exact match to how it appears in ICE’s records. If a search yields no results, try common misspellings or hyphenated versions of the last name.
In 2026, many names are entered into the system based on passport data or initial intake statements. If your loved one has multiple last names, try searching with just one or both combined. If the system still returns “No records found,” it is possible the individual is still being processed, is under the age of 18, or is being held in a non-ICE facility, such as a local county jail or a CBP holding cell.
Next steps after locating a detainee
Once you have successfully located your loved one, the ODLS will provide the address of the facility. Your immediate priority should be to check the visitation hours and bond eligibility. Most facilities have specific rules regarding who can visit and what items can be brought to the detainee. Additionally, you should note the “Field Office” listed, as this is the administrative body responsible for the individual’s case.
Finding the location is only the beginning of the legal journey. With the facility information in hand, you can then contact an immigration attorney to discuss a “Motion for Bond” or “Parole Request.” Having the exact location allows your legal team to act quickly, potentially preventing a transfer to a remote facility that would make legal defense more difficult.
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