If Your Loved One Is Detained

We have been through this ourselves. What follows is based on direct, real experience navigating ICE detention and bond proceedings. The system moves fast, and the first 24 hours are critical.

 

Immediate Legal Steps

• If your loved one is undocumented:
  You will likely need a Habeas Corpus petition.

• If your loved one has legal status or a pending case:
  You will need to file a Bond Request.

• In many cases, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can also be helpful to prevent immediate transfer or removal.

Secure an immigration attorney immediately. Not all immigration lawyers handle detained cases — make sure they do.

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Important Timeline: Fort Snelling (Minnesota)

If your loved one is detained at Fort Snelling, they are often transferred to El Paso, Texas within 12–24 hours.

This happens very quickly.
The first 24 hours can determine the entire outcome.

 

How to Locate Someone in ICE Custody

You will need their “A-Number” (Alien Registration Number).

Track them here:
https://locator.ice.gov/odls/

 

Key Contacts

St. Paul ICE Field Office:
(612) 843-8600

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA):
Find qualified immigration attorneys
https://www.aila.org/Contact

U.S. Senator Tina Smith – Help with Federal Agencies:
https://www.smith.senate.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency/

(Senator offices can sometimes assist in locating detainees or pushing for due process.)

 

Paying an ICE Bond

To pay a bond, you must create an account here:
https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-management/bonds

 

Communicating With Someone in Detention

If your loved one is held for any period of time, you may be able to receive calls.

You must:

1. Create an account

2. Deposit funds

3. Know their A-Number and facility location

Service used by most facilities:
https://www.gettingout.com

 

What You’ll Need for a Bond Hearing

(We personally had only 72 hours to gather all of this.)

The goal is to prove:

• Good moral character

• Strong community ties

• No danger to the community

• No flight risk

 

Letters of Support

From:

• Family members

• Partner or spouse

• Children

• Employers

• Pastor or religious leaders

• Community members with legal status

Each letter must include:

• Full name

• Address

• Phone number

• Original signature

• Copy of photo ID (photocopies are acceptable)

Letters may be in English or Spanish and should describe:

• Character

• Work ethic

• Family role

• Community involvement

The more letters, the better.

 

Personal Documents

• Copy of passport biographic page (if available)

• Driver’s license (if available)

• Work permit (if available)

• Marriage certificate (if married)

• Last six pay stubs

• Tax returns for last three years

• Bank statements (last three months)

• Prior immigration documents (asylum, family petition, U visa, etc.)

• Property deed, mortgage, or lease

• Vehicle titles

• 10–15 family photos

• Children’s birth certificates

• Children’s recent school report cards

• Proof of church or community participation

Anything that shows stability, responsibility, and community connection helps.

 

Sponsor Requirements

A sponsor is the person who:

• Pays the bond

• Provides transportation to all future court dates

Sponsor must provide:

• Most recent tax return (2024)

• Three recent pay stubs

• State-issued ID

• Proof of legal status (U.S. citizen or permanent resident)

• Letter stating they will take responsibility for the person and their case

 

From Experience

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We have lived this.
Transfers happen without notice.
Hearings get missed because ICE fails to transport people.
Documents disappear. Timelines shift. Judges are often frustrated — but still bound by procedure.

The system is not designed to be humane or easy.
Preparation, speed, and legal representation make a real difference.

You are not alone — but you must act immediately.