Fact Check: ICE maintains an online detainee locator for family members to find detainees.

Fact Check: "ICE maintains an online detainee locator for family members to find detainees."

What We Know

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates an Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) that allows family members, legal representatives, and the public to locate individuals detained by ICE. This system is accessible via the internet and provides a way to find detainees by entering specific information such as the person's name, country of birth, birth date, or their 9-digit Alien Registration Number (A-number) (source-1). The system is designed to assist those who may have difficulty locating a detained individual and can also provide information on the status of immigration court cases (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that ICE maintains an online detainee locator is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The official ICE website clearly states that the ODLS is a public, web-based tool for locating individuals currently in ICE custody. Furthermore, the USA.gov page confirms that the system is intended for use by family members who need to find someone detained for immigration violations.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are directly from government websites, which are authoritative and regularly updated. The information provided is consistent across various platforms, including ICE’s own resources and other government-related sites (source-2, source-3). This consistency reinforces the credibility of the claim.

Additionally, the system not only allows for the search of individuals currently detained but also includes those who have been in the custody of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for more than 48 hours (source-5). This feature enhances the utility of the locator for families trying to find their loved ones.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that ICE maintains an online detainee locator for family members to find detainees is accurate. The existence of the Online Detainee Locator System, as confirmed by multiple reliable sources, provides a clear mechanism for individuals to locate those detained by ICE.