Consular Contact: How It Works and What To Do
If the detained person is a citizen of another country, they generally have the right to request contact with their country’s consulate.
Official U.S. State Department guidance on consular notification: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification.html
This page explains exactly how to proceed.
Step 1 — Confirm basic information before calling
Have the following ready:
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Country of citizenship
• ICE facility name and address
• A-number (Alien Registration Number), if available
If you do not yet know the facility location, first complete:
→ How to Confirm Detention
→ First 24 Hours Checklist
Step 2 — Locate the correct embassy or consulate
Use the U.S. Department of State website to find official contact details: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification.html
Most countries list:
• Embassy (usually in Washington, D.C.)
• Regional consulates (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, etc.)
For detention matters, call the consular section, not the visa appointment desk.
Search the country’s official website for:
“Consular Section”
“Assistance to Nationals”
“Protection Services”
Step 3 — Call and ask for the right office
When calling, ask to speak with:
• The Consular Section
• The Office for Assistance to Nationals
• The Protection or Welfare Unit
If the receptionist asks the purpose, say clearly:
“I am calling about a citizen of your country who is currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
Avoid booking a regular visa appointment — detention assistance is usually handled separately.
Step 4 — What to ask once you reach staff
Be prepared to provide identifying details.
Ask:
• Can you confirm whether the consulate has been notified of this detention?
• Can a consular officer contact the detained person?
• Can you provide guidance on local attorneys familiar with cases from this country?
• What documents do you need from the family?
• Is there a specific case reference number?
Some consulates can:
• Visit detainees
• Help obtain passports or travel documents
• Provide attorney referral lists
• Communicate with family members
They cannot override U.S. immigration court decisions.
Step 5 — Is there a faster process?
Many consulates do not require standard appointments for detention matters.
Instead of scheduling online, call directly and state clearly:
“This is about a detained national in ICE custody.”
If email is provided, send:
Subject line: “URGENT — National Detained by ICE”
Include:
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Facility name
• A-number
• Your contact information
Keep copies of all emails and write down:
• Date
• Time
• Name of staff member
• Any case number provided
Step 6 — Inform the detained person
If possible, tell the detained person:
• They may request consular contact from the facility
• They may request an interpreter if needed
Facility contact rules are listed here: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
You may also want to review:
→ Bond & Release Guide
→ Right to Phone Calls
→ Sending Money to Detention
Step 7 — Coordinate with immigration court status
If a case is pending, check with:
EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review)
Hotline: 1-800-898-7180
Online case system: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
This ensures you know whether a hearing is scheduled while consular contact is being arranged.
Consular contact is a support mechanism. It does not replace legal representation, but it can provide documentation, communication support, and in some cases, welfare monitoring.
This page is informational only and does not replace advice from a licensed immigration attorney.