What to Do if ICE Detains a Family Member?

Loune-Djenia Askew, Esq.

Nov 19, 2025

Finding out that a loved one has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is frightening, stressful, and overwhelming. Many families in Florida—especially in Central Florida and the Orlando area—don’t know where to start or what steps to take next.

Here is a straightforward guide on what to do if ICE detains someone you care about.

1. Stay Calm and Gather Key Information

Your first step is to stay as calm as possible so you can collect the information you need. Try to find out:

Where your loved one is being held
Their full name and date of birth
Their “A-number” (Alien Registration Number), if available
The name of the ICE facility (for example, Baker County Detention Center or Krome Service Processing Center)

If you’re unsure where they were taken, you can use the ICE Detainee Locator by entering their A-number or full name and country of birth.

2. Tell Your Loved One Not to Sign Anything

If your family member is able to call you, remind them not to sign any paperwork without speaking to an immigration attorney first. ICE officers sometimes pressure detainees to sign documents agreeing to voluntary removal, which could lead to deportation and long-term consequences.

Signing anything without legal guidance can seriously harm their case.

3. Contact an Experienced Immigration Attorney Immediately

Time matters in immigration detention cases. An experienced attorney can:

Check whether your loved one qualifies for bond
Request a bond hearing
File applications for relief such as asylum or cancellation of removal
Communicate directly with ICE on your behalf
Protect your loved one’s rights throughout the process

Having an attorney early on often leads to better outcomes and less stress for the family.

4. Learn How Bond Works

Not everyone qualifies for bond, but many detainees do. If bond is granted, the amount can vary widely—often starting around $1,500* and going much higher depending on the case.

Your attorney can present evidence to show that your loved one:

Is not a danger to others
Is not a flight risk
Has strong ties to the community

If bond is approved, it must be paid at an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) office, usually by cashier’s check or money order.

5. Gather Documents That Support the Case

Your attorney may ask for documents that help demonstrate your loved one’s character, family ties, and community support. These may include:

Letters from employers, pastors, teachers, or community members
Proof of address and family relationships
Evidence of any prior immigration filings
Records showing positive involvement in the community
Criminal background checks (or proof of no criminal history)

The stronger the evidence, the better the chances in future hearings.

6. Prepare for a Long Process

Immigration court cases are not quick. They can take months—or even years—before reaching a final decision. During this time, it’s important to:

Stay in close contact with your attorney
Keep track of every appointment and court date
Update your lawyer with any changes in address or phone number
Make sure your loved one attends all hearings, whether in person or by video

Missing a hearing can result in an automatic removal order.

Final Thoughts

If ICE detains your family member, you don’t have to handle it alone. The most important thing you can do is stay informed, act quickly, and work with an immigration attorney who understands the system and can guide you through every step.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: This blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.

*Fees, procedures, and immigration policies may change over time. Please consult with your immigration attorney for the most accurate and updated information regarding your specific case.