We Understand What You Are Feeling
When a family member is detained by immigration, the fear and uncertainty can be overwhelming. You may not know where they are, whether they are okay, or what will happen next. We want you to know that many families have faced this same situation and have found a path forward.
Your loved one has rights under the law, including the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and the right to an attorney. The first step is to locate them, and that is exactly what this tool is for.
Take a breath. Read this guide carefully. We will help you step by step.
What is the ODLS System?
The ODLS (Online Detainee Locator System) is an official tool of the United States government, operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This tool allows family members, attorneys, and the public to search for information about individuals currently held in ICE custody at detention facilities across the country.
When a person is detained by ICE, their information is entered into a federal database. The ODLS allows you to query that database to confirm whether a person is in detention, which detention facility they are being held at, and other basic information about their case.
Information the ODLS can display:
- •Full name of the detainee
- •Date of birth
- •Country of birth
- •Detention facility where they are being held
- •Registration number (A-Number)
Note: The ODLS system is free and publicly accessible. You do not need an account or registration to use it.
Before You Search: What You Need to Know
AOption 1: Search by A-Number
If you have the person's Alien Registration Number (A-Number), this is the fastest and most accurate way to search. It is a 9-digit number starting with the letter "A" (for example, A123-456-789).
The A-Number can be found on prior immigration documents, Notices to Appear (NTA), and Employment Authorization Documents (EAD).
BOption 2: Search by Name
If you do not have the A-Number, you can search using the person's full name along with their date of birth and/or country of birth.
You will need: first name, last name, and at least one of the following: date of birth or country of birth.
Important Tips For Your Search
Try both last names (paternal and maternal)
In Hispanic culture, two last names are used: paternal and maternal. ICE sometimes records only one of them, or reverses the order. For example, if your family member's name is "Maria Lopez Garcia," try searching with "Lopez" as the last name, then "Garcia," and also "Lopez Garcia" together. Also try "Garcia Lopez" as they are sometimes recorded in reverse order.
Try different name spellings
Names may be entered with misspellings by officers. Try variations: with and without accent marks ("Garcia" vs. "García"), common alternate spellings ("Jesús" vs. "Jesus"), and shortened versions of compound first names ("Juan Carlos" may be listed as just "Juan").
The person may take 24 to 72 hours to appear
If your family member was recently detained (today or yesterday), their information may not yet have been entered into the ODLS system. The registration process in the federal database can take between 24 and 72 hours from the time of detention. Do not lose hope if they do not appear immediately. Try again every few hours.
Only shows currently detained individuals
The ODLS system only shows individuals currently in ICE custody. If the person was released, transferred to another agency, or deported, they will no longer appear in the system. If you know they were detained but they do not appear, it may mean they have already been processed and released, or transferred to another facility.
Notice: You Are About to Leave Our Website
By clicking the button below, you will be redirected to the official ICE website (locator.ice.gov), which is operated by the United States federal government. J. Lee & Associates Law Group is not responsible for the content, availability, or accuracy of information on external websites. The information you enter on the ICE website is not shared with our firm. If you need help with the search or have questions about the results, call us at (770) 609-9396.
Search the ICE ODLS System
Click the button to open the Online Detainee Locator System in a new window.
Open ODLS Detainee LocatorOfficial link: locator.ice.gov/odls
If You Cannot Find Your Family Member
If you searched the ODLS and could not find your family member, do not lose hope. There are other ways to get information:
ICE Detainee Hotline
1-888-351-4024Available 24/7. Can provide information about individuals in ICE custody by phone. Have the person's full name, date of birth, and country of birth ready.
Local ICE Field Office
The ICE field office in Atlanta handles detentions in Georgia. You can call directly to inquire about a detainee.
Atlanta Office: 180 Ted Turner Dr SW, Suite 522, Atlanta, GA 30303
Immigration Court Hotline (EOIR)
1-800-898-7180If your family member has a case in immigration court, you can check the date and time of their next hearing by calling this automated line. You will need the A-Number.
ICE Detention Centers in Georgia
Georgia has several detention facilities where ICE holds detainees. Below you will find the contact information and location for each one:
Stewart Detention Center
Address: 146 CCA Road, Lumpkin, GA 31815
Phone: (229) 838-5400
Operator: CoreCivic
Capacity: ~1,752
Georgia's largest detention center and one of the largest in the country. Operated by CoreCivic (private company). Has an immigration court on site where bond and removal hearings are conducted.
Irwin County Detention Center
Address: 132 Cotton Drive, Ocilla, GA 31774
Phone: (229) 468-4121
Operator: LaSalle Corrections
Capacity: ~800
Located in south Georgia. Operated by LaSalle Corrections. Has an immigration court inside the facility where hearings are processed.
Folkston ICE Processing Center
Address: 3026 Hwy 252 East, Folkston, GA 31537
Phone: (912) 496-1100
Operator: GEO Group
Capacity: ~600
Located in southeast Georgia, near the Florida border. Operated by GEO Group (private company).
Robert A. Deyton Detention Facility
Address: 675 Lakeshore Dr NE, Lovejoy, GA 30250
Phone: (770) 603-7800
Operator: ICE/ERO
Capacity: ~140
Located in the metro Atlanta area. This is a short-term processing facility operated directly by ICE. Detainees are typically transferred to other facilities after initial processing.
What to Do If Your Family Member Was Detained?
Follow these steps as soon as possible. Time is very important in immigration detention cases.
Don't Panic
We know this is difficult, but your family member has rights. Do not let them sign anything without an attorney. They have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and the right to legal representation.
Locate the Detainee
Use the ODLS system on this page, or call the ICE hotline at 1-888-351-4024. You will need the full name, date of birth, and country of birth. Remember to try different name spellings.
Call an Attorney
Time is critical in these cases. An immigration attorney can request an immigration bond for your family member's release while fighting the case. Call (770) 609-9396 for an initial evaluation.
Gather Documents
Gather: tax returns, IDs, birth certificates of U.S. citizen children, proof of time in the U.S., criminal record, and any prior immigration documents (work permits, court notices).
Family Member Detained by ICE in Georgia?
We act fast because we know every hour counts. We request immigration bonds, prepare habeas corpus petitions, and represent detainees in all Georgia immigration courts.
Free and confidential consultation. We speak your language.