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Date: 09/06/2025

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Important notice: Immigration laws are changing fast. Some information on our website may not be fully up to date. We’re working to review and update our content as quickly as we can. In the meantime, you can find more updated resources at Illinois Immigration Information. If you have questions about your case, it’s a good idea to talk to an immigration lawyer.

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  4. My family member is being detained

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Immigrants & Immigration

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My family member is being detained
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Warning: Some of the information may be outdated due to the 2025 executive orders. Please consider consulting a lawyer if you have questions about your situation. You can also read the President’s executive orders.

Please note: 

You can also watch this video in Spanish. 

Not all people are assigned an A#.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Family Support Hotline is (855) 435-7693. 

In 2021, Illinois closed immigration detention facilities. As a result, individuals arrested and detained by ICE will be detained outside of Illinois (if not released on their own recognizance). Please consult with an experienced immigration attorney or accredited representative if your family member is detained outside of Illinois. 

Use the Online Detainee Locator System to find someone in immigration detention. 

Acknowledgements

Scripted by
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Funded by
Chicago Community Trust

About this video

This video series about immigration will help you understand what happens when you face common immigration problems, such as when you or a family member is detained. The video series also provides information on U- Visas and VAWA for victims of crimes, including domestic violence, and will help you understand what happens when you have to go to immigration court.

Please view a video by clicking on its link:

  • I am a victim of a crime, can I change my immigration status?
  • Going to a removal hearing in immigration court

For more information, please read the following article on hiring a lawyer for someone in immigration detention. 

Last full review by a subject matter expert
March 10, 2023
Last revised by staff
March 16, 2023

About our legal information

Learn more

Immigration detention basics

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

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Immigration detention basics
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© 2025 Illinois Legal Aid Online. 
All rights reserved.
 
ILAO is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. ILAO's tax identification number is 20-2917133.