03/19/2026
Families and friends, this is a situation I’ve seen far too often in my years of practice both in Illinois and here in Texas. When someone is picked up by ICE in Austin, the uncertainty is the hardest part. Of course, you should contact a lawyer. In the circumstances that you know someone detained at a time that you cannot reach a lawyer, here is how you can start the search.
Legal Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If your loved one is in custody, you should contact a qualified immigration attorney immediately to protect their rights.
How to Locate Someone Detained by ICE
If your friend was detained in Austin yesterday, they are likely being held at a processing center or have already been moved to a regional detention facility. Here are the three steps you should take right now:
Use the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS): This is the fastest way to find someone. You will need their A-Number (9-digit Alien Registration Number) and their country of birth. If you don't have the A-Number, you can search by their full legal name, date of birth, and country of birth.
Check Local Facilities: Most individuals detained in the Austin area are initially taken to the South Texas ICEDP (Pearsall) or the T. Don Hutto Residential Center. You can call these facilities directly, though they may be limited in what they can disclose over the phone without an attorney of record.
Contact the Mexican Consulate (if applicable): If your friend is a Mexican national, the Consulate in Austin is often notified of detentions and can provide assistance in locating the individual and ensuring their basic rights are being met.
Important Warning
Time is of the essence. Under current enforcement priorities, ICE often moves detainees quickly to facilities outside of Central Texas or even out of state to manage bed space. Additionally, if your friend has a prior deportation order, they could be at risk of expedited removal without seeing a judge.
What to do next: Once you find them, do not have them sign any documents without a lawyer present. A "voluntary departure" signature can waive their right to a hearing and result in an immediate bar from returning to the U.S. After you find your friend, the best thing to do is to contact a lawyer at least to get an idea of whether it is worth fighting the case or not.
