get help for a person who has been detained by immigration officials

How do I find out where someone is being detained?

If someone you know has been detained by immigration officials, but you do not yet know where they are, you can use the ICE Detainee Locator Tool*. If you are able to confirm the person’s location, this will help us assess ILAP’s ability to assist more quickly. If the person does not yet appear in the ICE Detainee Locator Tool, you may still complete the form above, and we will do our best to assist.

You can search the Locator in two ways:

• Use the person’s alien registration number (A number) and country of birth. The A number starts with “A” and has nine digits. It is found on immigration documents such as court papers, receipts, or work permits.

• Use the person’s name and country of birth. The name must match exactly how immigration officials entered it. You may need to search different versions of the name. Spelling errors or switched first and last names can make the person harder to find. 

*It can take 48 hours or more for someone arrested by immigration officials to appear in the Locator. 

HOW DO I GET IMMIGRATION LEGAL HELP FOR SOMEONE BEING DETAINED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS IN ANOTHER STATE? 

 To get legal help for a person in a location ILAP does not serve, you can contact:    

• The PAIR Project (for help at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility in Massachusetts or the Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island)

• New Hampshire Legal Aid (for help at the Strafford County Jail and FCI Berlin):

• The Immigration Advocates Network (IAN) National Immigration Legal Services Directory (free or low-cost legal services across the U.S.)

• The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Lawyer Search (private immigration lawyers)

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO HELP A PERSON IN IMMIGRATION DETENTION?

In addition to requesting legal help, it may be helpful to begin gathering documents related to the detained person. This can include immigration paperwork, documents from any prior criminal cases, and identity documents such as a birth certificate or passport.

WHAT OTHER RESOURCES EXIST TO HELP MAINE RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY IMMIGRATION DETENTION?

• Project Relief ME – A Black immigrant-led mutual aid group providing urgent support, including food, housing, legal aid, and community solidarity.  

• Maine Solidarity Fund – A financial support fund for immigrants and marginalized communities, including bail/bond, legal fees, and emergency family support.  

• Community Relief Fund (CRF) – A community and BIPOC-led mutual aid and rapid response effort offering financial support to families impacted by ICE detention.  

• Mainers for Humane Immigration – Provides financial support for people in ICE detention and their families, including commissary deposits, release support, and letter-writing programs.  

• Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN) – Offers immigration bond support for people connected to Massachusetts, including those detained in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island.   

WHERE CAN I REPORT AN ICE ARREST OR OTHER IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY IN MAINE?  

If you want to report an ICE arrest or other immigration enforcement activity in Maine, you can contact Maine ICE Watch:  

• Phone: 207-544-9989  

• Website