If your family member has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), you can send them mail, money, their legal documents and limited items. However, the rules are strict and vary by facility. This guide explains what you can and cannot send and how to do it properly.
The first thing to know is that each detention facility has different procedures. You must contact the specific facility where your loved one is detained to understand how to get in touch with them.
This information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative. The content was last updated December 2025.
How to find your loved one in ICE detention
- You can use the ICE Online Detainee Locator to find out where they are detained.
- The locator tool requires the exact name as entered by the government worker. You may need to use several variations of the name to find the person. Or, you can use your loved one’s A-Number.
- If you cannot find a detainee using the online system, contact an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field office in the area where your loved one was last seen.
Once you know where your loved one is detained, you can get more information about how to send mail, money, legal documents or schedule a visit because every facility has different rules.
Visit ICE’s official website for detention facilities. Use the search tool to locate the relevant detention center.
Click through the tabs to get the general number for the ICE detention facility. You can call this number to confirm mail and money deposit procedures if the detainees have access to tablets that they can use to contact their outside supporters.
After locating the detention center, you can schedule calls or visits. Some facilities offer in-person visitation, while others may only permit video visits.
If you are worried that your own immigration status puts you at risk when interacting with ICE, consult with an attorney.
Also Read: How to Use ICE’s Detainee Locator System
Key points about sending money to someone in ICE detention
You should not send cash or personal checks directly to a loved one. There are a few other options for getting money to someone in ICE detention so that they can purchase limited goods, stamps and food. You must confirm with each facility to understand which of these methods they accept.
- Sending a cashier check or money order to the detention center directly. Call the facility to ask exactly what information you should include on the payment, such as if it should be addressed to the detention center or the full name of your loved one.
- Using an accepted electronic system, such as WesternUnion or Access Corrections
- Using the ATM for visitors at the physical detention center
Key points about sending mail or packages
The required information for all letters are the detainee’s full legal name, the last four digits of A-number and the sender’s complete name and return address. Check with each facility to ensure that you are addressing the letter to your loved one correctly.
Also Read: Lost Your USCIS A-Number? Find It With This Guide
People in ICE detention can send as many letters as they like, though they have to pay for postage themselves. The ICE facility may provide paper, writing instruments and envelopes free of charge. Indigent detainees, which ICE defines as someone who has less than $15 balance in their account, are given a limited number of stamps per month.
There are additional instructions for sending confidential or legal documents. Check with the ICE facility to ensure that these can be delivered securely. If you are sending them a passport or other official document, it is recommended to send copies to the ICE detention center rather than an original.
To send packages of items, call the ICE facility first to get approval. Only send what’s specifically approved. Some facilities may not accept packages at all.
Packages and letters will be opened and inspected for contraband. ICE officials should only open legal mail in the presence of your loved one. Keep records of all money transfers and important correspondence.
Approved items may include:
- Small religious items
- Religious and secular reading materials (softcover)
- Legal documents and papers
- Pictures (maximum of 10, measuring 5″ x 7″ or smaller)
- Prescription glasses
- Dentures
- Personal address books or pages
- Correspondence
- Wedding rings
- Other items approved by the facility administrator
Prohibited items may include:
- Electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets, radios, electric razors)
- Cash (always use money orders or electronic transfers)
- Food items
- Clothing
- Any weapons or tools
- Tobacco products
Essential travel items may include:
You can only send travel items if your loved one is being deported from the U.S. The items must be approved by an official at the ICE detention center and are limited to one small piece of luggage, typically 40 pounds maximum.
- No electronics allowed even in luggage
- Travel necessities such as clothes
- Prescription glasses
- Dentures
- Essential medications (with proper documentation)
