Resources for People Facing Detention or Deportation

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With the new presidential administration beginning mass deportations, this is a frightening time for many immigrants and their families. While the library cannot provide legal advice, we can point you toward resources to help you in this difficult time. You can also visit our Immigrant Information Corners at any BPL location. Knowledge is power!

Find Legal Help

Know Your Rights

Plan for Detainment or Deportation

  • 2025 Immigration Guide: Changes under the Trump administration                                                              
    • Check this page regularly for updates and simple steps to protect yourself and your family. You can also Text INFO to 888-305-4598 to get regular updates.
  • Notifica App                                                                     
    • Available in English and Español (Spanish)
    • An app from the organization United We Dream that alerts people to ICE raids in their community.
  • Steps to Take to Prepare Your Family                                                             
    • Available in English and en español
    • A resource from Informed Immigrant with tips for making a family preparedness plan, how to talk to kids about immigration enforcement, protecting your finances, and more.
  • Emergency Planning Guide for Families                                                                   
  • ¡El poder de prepararse!                                                                  
    • Solamente disponible en español.
    • Una guía para prepararse antes de la detención. 

  • Know Your Rights & Family Preparedness Video

    • Available in English and en español
    • A video covering the basics of preparation for immigrant families.
  • If You Are Detained by ICE: How to Know What Type of Case You Have                                                             
    • A chart from the Immigrant Defense Project that helps identify the type of immigration case that you could have if you are detained by ICE.

Protect Yourself while Detained or Find Family Members

  • National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 from outside a facility; dial 9233# while detained in a facility.                                                                         
    • Many languages are available
    • This free and confidential hotline helps people in detention report abuse, connect with resources, and find family. They also operate a bond fund for people who are unable to pay. 
  • Help for People in Detention or Facing Deportation                     
    • Available in English and en español
    • A guide from Informed Immigrant on the basic process of detainment, what to expect when visiting someone who is detained, and steps for locating either adults or children. 
  • National Bail Fund Network Directory of Community Bail Funds
  • Alert: Avoid Getting Scammed: A Resource for Immigration Bond Funds                                                             
  • Freedom Together: Supporting Your Loved One in Their Immigration Bond Hearing                                                             
  • Online Detainee Locator System                                                                    
    • Available in English, العَرَبِيَّة‎ (Arabic), Español (Spanish), Français (French), Kreyòl Ayisyen (Haitian), Português (Portuguese), Soomaali (Somali), Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), and Türkçe (Turkish).
    • Use this page to locate a detainee who is currently in ICE custody or who has been in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s custody for more than 48 hours. 

  • How to find your loved one's U.S. Immigration court date

    • Dial 1-800-898-7180. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), has created this Immigration Courts’ 800 Phone Number by which individuals can receive information about their cases through an automated system, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    • You can also now enter their A-number into this online EOIR form here. 

Call a Hotline or Helpline

National Phone Numbers

  • National Immigration Detention Hotline: 1-209-757-3733 from outside a facility; dial 9233# while detained in a facility.                                                                             
    • Many languages are available
    • This free and confidential hotline helps people in detention report abuse, connect with resources, and find family. They also operate a bond fund for people who are unable to pay. 
  • USCIS Contact Center: Call 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 for TTY                                                                       
    • Many languages are available
    • A government-run helpline to ask questions about immigration, request information about a case, or request assistance in an emergency. 
    • Available for live calls and chats Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, except on federal holidays. The Contact Center may call customers back between 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  
  • Immigrant and Employee Rights Section Hotline: 1-800-255-7688                                                                            
    • The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) is responsible for protecting immigrants authorized to work in the U.S. against employment discrimination.
    • Available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM ET. 
  • NAKASEC Hotline: 1-844-500-3222                                                                             
    • Available in English and 한국어 (Korean).
    • National Korean American Service & Education Consortium hotline for people worried about their immigration situation, have I.C.E. at their door or have a loved one who has been detained. 
  • Tahirih’s Afghan Asylum Line: 888-991-0852                                                                            
    • Available in English, Pashto, and Dari
    • Open Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST
  • National LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Legal Emergency Help: General Inquiries: +1-212-714-2904; If you are in detention: +1-917-654-9696.                                                                             
    • Open weekdays during daytime hours EST
  • Immigration Lawyer Referral Service: 1-800-954-0254                                                                            
    • Referrals to private attorneys. 
  • National Immigrant Assistance Hotline: (888) 624-4752

Massachusetts Phone Numbers

  • Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI): 617-727-7888                                                                            
    • Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
  • MIRA Coalition Immigration Helpline: 508-293-1871                                                                         
    • A non-emergency helpline that is open to all Massachusetts residents
    • If you are seeking resources or referrals, they will send those to you by email. If you leave a voicemail, they will return your call within 3 business days. You can also schedule a 30-minute appointment with them online.
  • Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC): 617-238-2430 in Boston or 508-756-7557 in Worcester
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