When someone you love is suddenly detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), every second feels uncertain. You may not know where your husband is, what’s happening to him, or how to protect your family from what comes next.
At The Law Offices of David S. Santee, we regularly help families across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware navigate the chaos and confusion that follow an unexpected ICE arrest. If you're looking for answers, this guide can help you understand what steps to take now – and why acting quickly can make a real difference in your husband’s case.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this difficult moment.
1. Stay Calm and Gather Information
The first thing you need to do is gather as much information as possible. While that may feel impossible in the moment, it’s an essential first step.
Ask yourself:
- Where was he taken from? (Home, workplace, traffic stop?)
- What agency made the arrest? Was it ICE or local police?
- Were any documents or notices left behind?
If ICE officers took him, they may not provide immediate details. But there are ways to locate your loved one.
2. Try to Locate Him Through ICE’s Online Detainee Locator
ICE offers an Online Detainee Locator Tool that can help you find out where your husband is being held. To use it, you’ll need:
- His A-number (Alien Registration Number), if known; or
- His full name, date of birth, and country of origin.
An A-number consists of 9 digits, but sometimes appears as 8 digits if the first digit is “0.”
Keep in mind:
- It can take 24-48 hours for a person to appear in the system.
- If he has not been processed yet, he may not be listed right away.
If he was taken during a workplace raid or community operation, the delay might be longer.
3. Contact the Detention Center or ICE Field Office
Once you find out where your spouse is being held, contact the detention facility or the associated ICE field office as soon as possible. You may be able to:
- Confirm that they are in custody,
- Ask about visitation or phone call procedures, and
- Request information about their Immigration Court case status, such as whether a Notice to Appear has been issued or if a hearing has been scheduled.
Important: Be respectful but assertive. As a spouse or immediate family member, you might be allowed to receive general information – but keep in mind that some facilities may not disclose many details unless an attorney is formally involved. If you encounter any difficulties, a lawyer can often access information more quickly and advocate more effectively on your behalf.
4. Do Not Sign Anything Without Legal Guidance
Sometimes, detained individuals are pressured to sign "voluntary departure" papers or other legal documents – especially under stressful conditions.
Make sure your spouse knows:
- Do not sign anything until they have spoken with a qualified immigration attorney.
Signing paperwork without fully understanding it can lead to immediate removal or the loss of important legal rights.
5. Speak to an Immigration Attorney Right Away
Time is critical. A qualified immigration attorney can:
- Investigate your spouse’s case,
- Request a bond hearing to seek their release,
- Explore legal defenses against deportation (such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or waivers), and
- Represent them in Immigration Court.
If your spouse has a pending green card application, a criminal record, or a prior removal order, the situation may be more complicated – but viable legal options could still exist.
6. Understand the Current Legal Climate (2025 Update)
Immigration enforcement has intensified under the Trump administration. ICE has ramped up arrests in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Additional policies include:
- Renewed immigrant registration requirements,
- Expanded use of expedited removal, and
- Increased detentions under the Laken Riley Act, even for low-level offenses.
These changes mean immigration cases can move faster and offer fewer second chances. That’s why it’s critical to act quickly and know your rights.
7. Prepare Documents and Evidence
To help your attorney strengthen your spouse’s case, begin gathering key documents such as:
- Their immigration paperwork (if any),
- Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate),
- Birth certificates of any U.S. citizen children,
- Evidence of residence and good moral character (employment records, tax returns, community letters),
- Any ICE paperwork or notices related to detention or previous court proceedings.
Even if you are unsure whether something is useful, it’s better to provide too much information rather than too little.
8. Explore the Possibility of Bond or Parole
Not everyone is eligible for release from ICE detention, but in many cases, a bond hearing can be requested. A judge will consider factors like:
- Whether your spouse poses a flight risk,
- Any criminal history, and
- Whether they are considered a danger to the community.
If a bond is granted, it can be posted to secure their release while the case moves forward. Your attorney may also explore parole options based on humanitarian grounds, such as urgent health issues or family hardship.
9. Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
While working to help your spouse, it's important to protect your own well-being too. Consider:
- Connecting with trusted family members, religious leaders, or immigrant rights organizations,
- Keeping copies of important family documents in a safe place,
- Avoiding social media discussions about the situation, and
- Staying wary of unlicensed “notarios” or immigration consultants who could exploit your family’s vulnerability.
10. Get Legal Help Now
At The Law Offices of David S. Santee, we understand how terrifying it can be when a spouse or loved one is detained. We proudly assist families in immigration matters across Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County, and throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware during these challenging moments.
Whether your spouse is currently in ICE custody, awaiting a hearing, or facing deportation proceedings, we’re here to listen, guide, and advocate for you every step of the way. Or, if you are worried that someone in your family may be detained, we will tell you what you can expect and how you can be prepared.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a confidential consultation. Quick action can protect your spouse’s rights and make a crucial difference in the outcome.
You’re Not Alone – The Law Offices of David S. Santee Can Help
Immigration enforcement may feel unpredictable – but you are not powerless. By acting quickly, understanding your options, and securing strong legal support, you can protect your family’s future.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let The Law Offices of David S. Santee stand with you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with The Law Offices of David S. Santee. Every case is unique, and immigration laws and policies change frequently. For legal advice tailored to your specific situation, please contact our office directly.