The First 48 Hours: What To Do and In What Order
The first two days are usually about clarity and stabilization — confirming custody, understanding whether a court case exists, and determining whether bond may be possible.
Keep this page open and work through it step by step.
Official resources referenced here:
ICE Online Detainee Locator System
https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
ICE Field Offices
https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices
ICE Detention Facility Directory
https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
ICE Bond Information
https://www.ice.gov/detain/bonds
EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) hotline
1-800-898-7180
EOIR Online Case Information System
https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
Step 1 — Confirm Custody and Location
If you have not already done this, start here.
Use the ICE locator: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search
You will need either:
• A-number (Alien Registration Number), OR
• Full legal name + date of birth + country of birth
If not found:
• If detention occurred today — wait 6–12 hours and try again
• If detention occurred yesterday or earlier — call the local ICE field office
https://www.ice.gov/contact/field-offices
If detention followed a traffic stop, call the local jail and ask whether an ICE detainer was placed.
Once located, write down:
• Facility name
• Facility address
• Facility phone number
• A-number
If you need more detail on custody confirmation, review:
Step 2 — Confirm Whether There Is an Immigration Court Case
Call EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review):
1-800-898-7180
Or check online: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
Have the A-number ready.
Write down:
• Court location
• Hearing date
• Hearing type (if listed)
• Case status
If no case appears, that does not necessarily mean no case will be filed. Continue checking.
If paperwork was signed, review:
→ Do Not Sign Before Understanding
Step 3 — Determine Whether Bond May Be Available
Not everyone qualifies for bond. Eligibility depends on factors such as prior removal orders, certain criminal convictions, or recent border entry.
What is an immigration bond?
It is a financial guarantee paid to ICE to secure release while removal proceedings continue.
Official ICE bond information: https://www.ice.gov/detain/bonds
How much is bond?
Bond amounts vary.
Minimum bond is typically $1,500, but many bonds are set higher (often $3,000–$10,000 or more depending on circumstances).
Bond amount may be:
• Set by ICE initially
• Reviewed by an immigration judge in a bond redetermination hearing
Where is bond paid?
Bond payments are generally made to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) at designated bond-accepting locations.
ICE bond payment information: https://www.ice.gov/detain/bonds
You will need:
• A-number
• Full legal name
• Exact bond amount
• Valid identification of the person paying
• Payment method accepted by that office (confirm before appearing)
If you want a bond hearing
A bond redetermination hearing is requested before an immigration judge (through EOIR).
Confirm court location first using: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/
Then consult an immigration attorney or nonprofit provider.
Legal help search:
AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association)
https://www.ailalawyer.com/
EOIR Pro Bono List
https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers
Step 4 — Stabilize Communication
Call the detention facility listed here: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities
Ask:
• How phone calls work
• How to fund commissary/phone accounts
• Visiting hours and ID requirements
• Mailing instructions
For more detail:
→ Right to Phone Calls
→ Sending Money to Detention
Step 5 — Consider Consular Contact (if applicable)
If the person is a citizen of another country, they may request contact with their consulate.
U.S. State Department consular notification guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification.html
Step-by-step guidance:
Step 6 — Create a Written Timeline
During the first 48 hours, document:
• Date and location of detention
• Agencies involved
• Any paperwork signed
• Facility transfers
• Calls made and responses received
This documentation helps attorneys review the case faster.
Step 7 — What Not To Ignore
• Missed court dates
• Transfer notices
• Mail sent to home address
• Changes in facility location
Continue checking EOIR case status and ICE locator regularly during the first week.
The first 48 hours are about information gathering and avoiding rushed decisions.
Once custody, court status, and bond possibilities are clear, longer-term strategy becomes easier to plan.
This page is informational only and does not replace advice from a licensed immigration attorney.