Alien Locator: Your Complete 2026 Guide to Finding a Detained Immigrant in New Jersey

What Is the Alien Locator System?

When a loved one is taken into ICE custody in New Jersey, the panic and confusion can be overwhelming. The alien locator — formally called the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) — is a publicly available search tool designed to help families, friends, and legal representatives locate individuals held in immigration detention facilities across the United States.

The system was created to provide transparency and allow concerned parties to quickly determine where a detained person is being held, what facility they are in, and basic information about their detention status. It is maintained by ICE and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost.

For families in New Jersey dealing with immigration enforcement, understanding how to effectively use this tool can be the critical first step toward securing legal representation and taking action. If you need immediate help, consider booking an appointment with an experienced immigration attorney.

Why the Alien Locator Matters for New Jersey Families in 2026

New Jersey is home to several major ICE detention facilities and immigration courts. With heightened enforcement activity in 2026, more families than ever are searching for detained loved ones. The alien locator becomes an essential lifeline in these situations because:

• ICE does not always notify families when someone is detained. Arrests can happen at workplaces, during traffic stops, or even at home.
• Detainees may be transferred between facilities — sometimes across state lines — without prior notice to family members.
• Time is critical. The sooner you locate a detainee, the sooner an attorney can intervene, file motions, or request bond hearings at immigration court in Newark, NJ or the Elizabeth immigration court.
• Legal deadlines are strict. Missing a hearing date or bond hearing window can have devastating consequences for a detainee’s case.

According to the latest ICE data, the number of individuals in ICE custody has reached record levels in 2025-2026, making the alien locator more important than ever.

Step-by-Step: How to Use the ICE Alien Locator System

Follow these detailed instructions to search for a detained individual using the ICE Online Detainee Locator System:

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before you begin your search, you will need at least one of the following:

• A-Number (Alien Registration Number): This is a 9-digit number that begins with the letter "A" and is found on immigration documents such as a Notice to Appear (NTA), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or any prior correspondence from USCIS or ICE.
• Biographical Information: If you do not have the A-Number, you can search using the detainee’s full legal name (first and last), date of birth, and country of birth.

Step 2: Access the ICE ODLS Website

Navigate to the official ICE detainee locator at locator.ice.gov. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge fees or collect personal information — the official ICE system is completely free.

Step 3: Enter Search Details

Choose your search method:

• Search by A-Number: Enter the 9-digit number in the designated field. This is the most accurate search method.
• Search by Biographical Data: Enter the person’s last name, first name, country of birth, and date of birth. Make sure to use the exact legal name as it appears on immigration documents.

Step 4: Review Results

If the person is in ICE custody, the system will display:

• The detention facility name and location
• The detainee’s A-Number (if searched by name)
• Basic detention status information

Step 5: Contact the Facility or an Attorney

Once you have located the individual, immediately contact the detention facility to learn about visitation policies and phone access. More importantly, reach out to a qualified immigration attorney in New Jersey who can begin working on the case right away.

New Jersey ICE Detention Facilities: Where Detainees Are Held

If someone is detained by ICE in New Jersey, they are most likely being held at one of the following facilities:

The Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility is perhaps the most well-known ICE facility in New Jersey. It is directly connected to the Elizabeth NJ immigration court, where many detainees have their removal hearings. For a comprehensive overview of all NJ detention facilities, visit our New Jersey Immigration Detention Center guide.

What to Do When the Alien Locator Shows No Results

One of the most frustrating experiences families face is searching the alien locator and finding no results. This does not necessarily mean your loved one is not in custody. Here are common reasons and what to do next:

1. The Person Was Recently Detained

The ICE detainee locator database is not updated in real-time. It can take 24 to 72 hours after an arrest for a detainee’s information to appear in the system. If the arrest just occurred, try searching again after 24 hours.

2. Incorrect Information Was Entered

Spelling variations, nicknames, or differences between legal documents can cause search failures. Try searching with:

• Different name spellings or transliterations
• Maiden name vs. married name
• Alternative date formats

3. The Person Is in CBP Custody, Not ICE

If someone was apprehended at or near the border, or was recently stopped by Customs and Border Protection, they may be in CBP custody rather than ICE custody. CBP detainees do not appear in the ICE locator system. Contact the local CBP processing center directly.

4. The Person Has Been Transferred

ICE frequently transfers detainees between facilities, sometimes to locations outside New Jersey. During transfers, detainees may temporarily disappear from the locator system. An experienced attorney can file inquiries directly with ICE to track transfers.

5. The Person Has Been Released or Deported

If someone has already been released on bond, granted voluntary departure, or has been removed from the country, they will no longer appear in the system.

Next Steps When the System Fails

• Call the ICE ERO (Enforcement and Removal Operations) hotline at 1-888-351-4024 to inquire about the person’s status.
• Contact a top immigration lawyer in New Jersey who can file a formal inquiry and access internal ICE databases through established channels.
• Reach out to the local ICE field office in Newark, NJ, which oversees immigration enforcement for the state.
• Contact the local consulate of the detainee’s home country, which can sometimes assist in locating detained nationals.

Understanding the A-Number: Your Key to the Alien Locator

The Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is the single most important identifier in the U.S. immigration system. Think of it as a social security number for immigration purposes. Here’s what you need to know:

• It is a unique 9-digit number preceded by the letter "A" (e.g., A123-456-789).
• It is assigned by USCIS, ICE, or CBP when an individual first enters the immigration system.
• It appears on the Notice to Appear (NTA), green cards, EADs, immigration court notices, and other official documents.
• If you do not have the A-Number, check any prior immigration correspondence, court documents, or even old denial letters.

Having the A-Number makes the alien locator search significantly more accurate and reliable than a name-based search.

Immigration Courts in New Jersey: What Happens After You Locate a Detainee

Finding your loved one through the alien locator is only the beginning. The next critical steps involve navigating the immigration court system in New Jersey. Here is what you should expect:

Newark Immigration Court

The Newark immigration court handles cases for both detained and non-detained individuals. Located in downtown Newark, it is one of the busiest immigration courts in the nation. Cases heard here include:

• Removal (deportation) proceedings
• Asylum claims
• Cancellation of removal applications
• Adjustment of status in removal proceedings

Elizabeth Immigration Court

The Elizabeth NJ immigration court is located inside the Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility and exclusively handles cases for detained individuals. If your loved one is held at the Elizabeth facility, their hearings will take place here. Key facts include:

• Cases tend to move faster than in non-detained courts due to federal mandates on detained dockets.
• Bond hearings are typically the first hearing a detainee will have.
• Legal representation is critical — studies consistently show that detained individuals with attorneys are significantly more likely to win their cases.

Bond Hearings in NJ Immigration Court

One of the most urgent steps after locating a detained individual is requesting a bond hearing. An immigration judge can set a bond — typically ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 or more — that allows the detainee to be released while their case proceeds. Factors the judge considers include:

• Whether the individual poses a flight risk
• Whether they pose a danger to the community
• Ties to the community (family, employment, length of residence)
• Criminal history (if any)
• Immigration history (prior deportation orders, violations)

An experienced NJ immigration attorney can present compelling evidence at a bond hearing to maximize your loved one’s chances of release.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help Beyond the Alien Locator

While the alien locator system is a useful first step, it has significant limitations. An immigration attorney provides far more comprehensive assistance:

• Direct access to ICE systems: Attorneys with established relationships can often locate individuals faster than the public system allows.
• Immediate legal intervention: Filing emergency stays of removal, habeas corpus petitions, or bond motions.
• Court representation: Appearing at the immigration court in New Jersey on behalf of your loved one.
• Document preparation: Gathering evidence for asylum claims, cancellation of removal, VAWA petitions, or other forms of relief.
• Communication bridge: Serving as the link between the detainee, the court, ICE, and the family.

If you are searching for legal representation, our guide on the best immigration lawyers in New Jersey can help you find the right attorney for your situation. For Edison and Middlesex County residents, our immigration lawyer Edison NJ page provides localized resources.

Recursos en Español: Localizador de Detenidos de ICE (Corte de Inmigración Newark)

Entendemos que muchas familias en Nueva Jersey buscan información en español. Aquí hay un resumen rápido:

• El localizador de detenidos de ICE está disponible en locator.ice.gov y es completamente gratuito.
• Necesita el Número A (Alien Registration Number) o el nombre completo, fecha de nacimiento y país de nacimiento de la persona detenida.
• Si su ser querido está detenido en Nueva Jersey, probablemente esté en el Centro de Detención de Elizabeth, la cárcel del condado de Bergen, o la cárcel del condado de Essex.
• La corte de inmigración en Newark maneja casos de deportación, asilo, y otros procedimientos de inmigración.
• Es fundamental contar con un abogado de inmigración en NJ que hable español y conozca el sistema legal.

Para programar una consulta en español, haga una cita aquí.

ICE Enforcement Trends in New Jersey: What You Need to Know in 2026

Understanding current enforcement trends can help you prepare and protect your family. In 2026, several developments are impacting immigration enforcement in New Jersey:

• Increased workplace raids: ICE has stepped up enforcement operations at workplaces across New Jersey, particularly in construction, food processing, and hospitality industries.
• Expanded expedited removal: The DHS expedited removal expansion means that more individuals may be removed without appearing before an immigration judge.
• Community enforcement: Our analysis of ICE targeting specific communities reveals patterns that every immigrant family should be aware of.
• Record detention numbers: With ICE holding a record number of detainees, New Jersey facilities are operating at or near capacity.

Being informed about these trends helps families understand the urgency of using the alien locator promptly and seeking legal help without delay. Learn more about your rights in our guide on facing ICE detention in New Jersey.

Know Your Rights: What Detainees and Families Should Understand

Whether you are the person detained or a family member trying to help, understanding basic rights is essential:

Rights of Detained Individuals

• Right to remain silent: You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status without an attorney present.
• Right to an attorney: You have the right to be represented by a lawyer, though the government is not required to provide one free of charge in immigration cases.
• Right to a hearing: In most cases, you have the right to appear before an immigration judge before being deported (though expedited removal is an exception).
• Right to make phone calls: ICE is required to allow detainees to make phone calls to family, attorneys, and consular officials.
• Right to medical care: ICE is required to provide necessary medical and mental health care to all detainees.

What Family Members Can Do

• Use the alien locator to find the detained individual immediately.
• Contact an immigration lawyer in New Jersey as soon as possible.
• Gather important documents: identification, immigration paperwork, proof of community ties, employment records, and tax returns.
• Prepare for a bond hearing by collecting letters of support and evidence of the detainee’s good character.
• Do NOT sign any documents on behalf of the detainee or make statements to ICE agents without legal counsel.

Alternative Ways to Locate a Detained Immigrant in New Jersey

If the alien locator system is not yielding results, consider these alternative approaches:

1. Call the ICE ERO Hotline: 1-888-351-4024. Provide as much identifying information as possible.
2. Contact the facility directly: Call the Elizabeth Detention Center, Bergen County Jail, Essex County Correctional Facility, or Hudson County Correctional Facility.
3. Hire an immigration attorney: The best immigration attorneys in New Jersey have direct communication channels with ICE and can locate individuals more quickly.
4. Contact the EOIR Hotline: Call 1-800-898-7180 to check if a case has been filed in immigration court. You will need the A-Number.
5. Reach out to the relevant consulate: Foreign consulates can sometimes help locate their nationals who are in U.S. custody.
6. Contact advocacy organizations: Groups such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in Newark or the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) New Jersey Chapter may be able to assist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Alien Locator

Families often make avoidable errors when trying to find a detained loved one. Be aware of these pitfalls:

• Using unofficial websites: Only use the official ICE locator at locator.ice.gov. Scammers create fake locator sites that charge money or steal personal data.
• Entering incorrect spelling: Use the exact legal name as it appears on immigration documents, not nicknames or shortened versions.
• Searching too early: As noted above, the system may take up to 72 hours to reflect new detentions.
• Assuming no results means no detention: The absence of results does not confirm that someone has not been detained. Always follow up with other methods.
• Providing personal information to ICE: If you are yourself undocumented, be cautious about providing your own information when calling ICE. Consult with an attorney first.
• Delaying legal help: Every hour matters. Do not wait to see if the person will be released — engage an NJ immigration attorney immediately.

How Bond Works in NJ Immigration Detention Cases

Once you locate a loved one through the alien locator, the next priority is often getting them released on bond. Here is how immigration bond works in New Jersey:

Types of Immigration Bond

• Delivery Bond: Allows the detainee to be released from custody and remain with family while their case proceeds. The detainee must appear at all future court hearings.
• Voluntary Departure Bond: Requires the individual to leave the U.S. at their own expense within a specified time period. The bond amount is refunded upon departure.

How Bond Amounts Are Determined

An immigration judge at the Newark immigration court or Elizabeth immigration court considers multiple factors when setting bond:

• Community ties in New Jersey (family, employment, property ownership)
• Length of residence in the United States
• Criminal record (certain criminal convictions can make an individual ineligible for bond entirely)
• Immigration history (prior deportation orders, failure to appear at hearings)
• Risk of flight vs. likelihood of appearing for future hearings

Bond Hearing Timeline

In detained cases at the Elizabeth immigration court, a bond hearing can often be requested and scheduled within 7 to 14 days of the initial detention. This is another reason why locating the detainee quickly through the alien locator is so critical.

Protecting Your Family: Proactive Steps for NJ Immigrants

Rather than waiting for a crisis, take these proactive steps to protect your family:

• Keep copies of all immigration documents in a safe, accessible location that family members can access.
• Write down A-Numbers for every family member who has one and share this information with a trusted relative or attorney.
• Have a family emergency plan that includes the name and number of an immigration attorney.
• Know your rights during an ICE encounter — you do not have to open your door without a judicial warrant (not an administrative warrant).
• Establish a relationship with an attorney before an emergency arises. Visit our immigration lawyer NJ page to find qualified counsel.

Why Choose a New Jersey Immigration Attorney for Detention Cases

Immigration detention cases require attorneys who understand the specific procedures, judges, and facilities in New Jersey. Here is why local expertise matters:

• Knowledge of local judges: Each immigration judge has their own tendencies, priorities, and standards for bond and relief. NJ attorneys know what arguments resonate with specific judges.
• Facility access: Established attorneys have existing attorney-client visitation arrangements at NJ detention facilities.
• Court relationships: Understanding the procedural requirements of the Newark and Elizabeth immigration courts prevents costly mistakes.
• Quick response: A local attorney can appear in court rapidly, file emergency motions, and visit detained clients without significant travel delays.

Learn more about what makes a great immigration attorney in our comprehensive guide: Best Immigration Lawyers in New Jersey.