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If someone you know has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), it can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. One of the most important things you can do in tracking the case is to quickly determine which ICE detention facility the person is being held at.
ICE can use more than 200 detention facilities across the United States, including many jails that work with ICE to house people the agency doesn’t have room for at its own detention centers.
The main facility in Washington is the Northwest Detention Center (NDC) in Tacoma, though ICE does sometimes arrest migrants in Washington and temporarily house them in the Kootenai County Jail when the NDC is full. The center in Tacoma is privately owned and operated by The Geo Group.
Families need to locate detained loved ones so they know where legal proceedings will take place and arrange legal support or visits.
For insight on how to navigate this system, RANGE spoke with Hector Quiroga, of Spokane’s Quiroga Law Office, an immigration attorney with more than 14 years of experience in the field. He also immigrated from Colombia to the United States in January 2000. Quiroga emphasized the importance of acting quickly and being prepared with the right documentation.
How to locate someone in ICE custody
ICE keeps a searchable database of all its detainees called the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS). But Quiroga said the information can lag with transfers, so it’s not always fully up-to-date.
“It can take about 48 hours from arrest for the information of a detainee to be available on this system,” Quiroga said. “The ICE locator tells you who is in custody, but we have to move quickly because sometimes the person is transferred to another facility.”
To use the ODLS, you will need specific details about the detainee: either the detainee’s Alien Registration Number, or A-Number, and country of birth or the detainee’s full name and date of birth. The information must be exactly accurate — even minor discrepancies can affect search results.
There are also different language options if you would prefer to use one other than English.
Option A: Searching by Alien Number or A-number
- Enter the person’s A-Number, a nine-digit number found on immigration documents, such as a visa and correspondence from the US Department of Homeland Security. If the number you have for the person has fewer than nine digits, enter enough zeros at the beginning of the number to reach nine.
- Enter the person’s country of birth.
- Click “Search by A-number.”
Option B: Search by Biographical Information
- Enter the person’s first and last name
- Enter the person’s country of birth
- Enter the person’s birth date in MM/DD/YY format (This is optional)
- Click “Search by Biographical Information.”
Some roadblocks you might find along the way
The ODLS does not allow you to find people in custody under the age of 18.
This online search only allows you to find detainees who have been in custody for two days. For those arrested less than 48 hours before the search, it takes patience to wait for their name to show up.
In some cases, someone may be moved into US Marshals custody, which usually means there are additional criminal charges involved.
Where they might be located
If ICE has detained someone in Eastern Washington, they may be held in custody in North Idaho while the agency waits for space to open up in one of its own detention centers. Why Idaho? State and local law enforcement and jails are barred under state law from helping federal agents enforce federal immigration laws. ICE works under an agreement with the Kootenai County Sheriff to get around Washington state law.
According to reporting by the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls Press, each federal hold in North Idaho jail is reimbursed at $112 per day per person.
When there is space in the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, ICE detainees are sent there.
These are the addresses and phone numbers for both facilities:
Kootenai County Jail, ID
5500 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID
208-446-1400
(~45 minutes from Downtown Spokane)
Tacoma Northwest Detention Center, WA
1623 E J St, Tacoma, WA 98421
(253) 396-1611
(~4 hours and 33 minutes from Downtown Spokane)
Spokane does not have an ICE detention center.
What to do when you know where the person is
“Having a plan is critical,” Quiroga said. “When someone is detained, their family often doesn’t know what to do. That’s why it’s so important to trust someone with your story ahead of time. A power of attorney can be very useful.”
An experienced attorney can help determine the best course of action. They can help you determine if the person can file for relief- a formal process that involves submitting paperwork to the court outlining why the person should be released. In some cases, a sum of money can be paid to secure your release from detention, known as a bond.
“Typically, yes, a bond is possible,” Quiroga said. “However, certain crimes — especially those involving violence — can limit eligibility. Judges have discretion, but the current administration is trying to deny bonds more broadly. That said, they can’t legally deny everyone. Right now, bond amounts typically range from zero to $20,000, but we’re seeing cases where it’s set at $50,000 or even $70,000.”
Bond eligibility depends on factors like flight risk and criminal history, so it’s best to get a lawyer. Quiroga noted that a bond in immigration court is different from bail in criminal court.
“The goal in immigration proceedings is to ensure that the person attends all hearings. If they do, the bond money is refunded, regardless of the case outcome,” Quiroga said. “In criminal court, bail can be forfeited depending on the circumstances.”
Understanding bond eligibility early can help secure the person’s release sooner, and preparing for legal proceedings ensures they have the strongest possible defense. If the bond amount is high and cannot be afforded, there may be immigration bond funds that can help families pay for bonds, preventing unnecessary prolonged detention. The Fair Fight Bond Fund in Washington State and Gonzales & Gonzales Bonds offer immigration bond funds here in Spokane.
Ask the prison superintendent about phone access for detainees and any necessary forms to fill out, like a medical screening form.
The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is supposed to support incarcerated individuals in maintaining ties with family, friends, and the community. Have on hand any relevant immigration paperwork, including previous applications and criminal records. The more information you have, the better for your case.
Document everything: Keep a record of all communication with immigration authorities, including dates, times, and the content of conversations. Having a well-organized record can help track the case’s progress, identify inconsistencies, and provide evidence if needed.
Planning Ahead
Memorize your A-Number and give it to your family — it will help family members locate you if detained. Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust — Quiroga noted that even employees and close friends can help access records in an emergency. This unique identifier is crucial for accessing legal assistance and tracking your case in the immigration system.
Keeping your records and documentation in order will also make a big difference in a case, specifically immigration filing receipts for the money order and filing itself.
“These receipts can be crucial proof that you have an active case in process,” Quiroga said. He also noted that keeping medical and financial records in order can also make a big difference in a case.
To avoid being detained or arrested by immigration officers, people who believe they may be targeted by ICE but are US citizens should carry an official form of identification, like a passport, passport card, citizenship certificate, citizenship card, or advanced ID.
“For non-citizens, it’s important to carry your legal documentation,” Quiroga added. “If you lose your green card, for example, it can cost around $1,000 and take up to a year to replace. Never print or laminate immigration documents in color—immigration officers are very particular about this. If you’re in the immigration process, keep proof of your case, like a case number or an official receipt from USCIS.”
Carry a Know Your Rights card with you. These can be found and printed here and kept in a wallet or purse. If immigration authorities stop you, this card can serve as a reminder of your rights and a way to assert them without speaking.
If you are arrested or detained
If you are stopped by ICE officials, don’t lie about your immigration status. Providing false information can have serious legal consequences and may negatively impact your case.
Stay calm, and don’t run, argue, resist, or fight the officer. Remaining composed can help prevent escalation and ensure the situation does not become more difficult or dangerous. Assaulting an officer or agent will add more charges or time to your case.
Keep your hands where police/ICE can see them. This simple action can help avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary force during an encounter.
If you are arrested or detained by immigration, remember you still have constitutional rights. Regardless of your immigration status, you are protected under US law and should exercise your rights to ensure fair treatment.
If ICE agents have a warrant that is not signed by a court, you don’t have to let them search you.
Remain silent: You do not have to answer questions, especially about your immigration status. Anything you say can be used against you, so it’s best to stay silent and avoid providing information that could harm your case.
Contact a lawyer immediately. An immigration officer can provide a list of pro bono lawyers. Having legal representation is critical to understanding your options and protecting yourself from potential missteps.
Do not sign any documents without speaking to a lawyer first. Signing paperwork without understanding it can lead to waiving your rights or agreeing to deportation unknowingly.
You have the right to contact your home country’s consulate. Your consulate can provide guidance, notify your family, and sometimes offer legal resources or support.
You have a right to a phone call. Ask to call a friend or family if you have children with you so you can make arrangements for them.
