In late August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a focused operation across Indiana, arresting 426 individuals, most of them in the Indianapolis area. While the federal agency did not announce the sweep until after it ended, the impact on families has been immediate and urgent.
Get an Attorney Immediately
Stuart Mora, executive director of the Indiana Organizing Project, stresses that “you really have no shot without an attorney.” He urges anyone with a detained family member to secure legal representation as soon as possible. Attorneys can be located through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) directory, the National Immigration Legal Services directory, or by asking trusted friends for referrals. Many of these services are offered free of charge or at reduced rates.
Locate the Detainee
ICE provides an Online Detainee Locator System that can be used to find individuals 18 years or older who are in custody. The system may take several days to reflect a new detention. For step‑by‑step guidance, the nonprofit newsroom Documented has published a tutorial on using the tool.
Prepare for Communication and Visits
Once the detainee is located, families should contact the detention facility to learn about communication options—some facilities allow in‑person visits, while others only permit video calls. Preparing for the worst‑case scenario is essential. Parents should ensure children have valid passports, update emergency contact information at schools or daycare centers, and develop a contingency care plan. The Immigrant Defense Project offers a bilingual family‑emergency‑plan template, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides multilingual guides for creating such plans.
Power of Attorney and Document Checklist
Having a power‑of‑attorney form signed and notarized can simplify the management of finances, medical care, and dependents while a loved one is detained. The National Immigrant Law Center’s resource guide recommends carrying essential information, including trusted family contacts, lawyer details, and a child’s school information. It also advises keeping copies of immigration documents—green card, work permit, or visa—while avoiding foreign passports that could be used against the detainee.
Avoid Fraudulent Services
Families should verify that any attorney they consider is licensed by checking the Indiana Judicial Branch website. Paying non‑attorneys or overseas providers for legal work is discouraged. Review all documents before signing, never sign blank forms, and be wary of advertisements promising quick immigration relief.
Local Resources
Several Indiana‑based organizations provide additional assistance:
- Indiana Organizing Project – offers advocacy and direct support.
- Immigrant Defense Project – provides legal aid and family‑planning templates.
- National Immigrant Law Center – publishes comprehensive guides for detainees and families.
- National Immigration Justice Center – offers tips to avoid immigration fraud.
These groups work to ensure families have the information and resources needed to navigate the complex immigration system during a detention.
About the Source
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom funded by grants and individual donations, compiled this guide after speaking with nonprofit leaders and immigration law experts. For further assistance, contact Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson at 317‑397‑7262 or [email protected].
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
