Is your loved one detained?  Thousands of people go through immigration custody and detention each year.  In NY, Varick Street Detention Center is a service processing center located in Manhattan where immigrants are held for processing before being moved to other detention facilities in New York or New Jersey.  The major detention centers that they can be moved to are Buffalo Federal Detention Facility or Orange County Correctional Facility in NY, or Essex County Correctional Facility, Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility, Bergen County Jail or Hudson County Correctional Facility in NJ. 

If your loved one was picked up and needs to go through criminal court before being detained by immigration, then they may be in one of many county jails as well.  For instance, someone arrested in Mount Vernon, NY might be held in Valhalla until their criminal case is decided.

If you are not sure where your friend or family member is being held, you can locate them using the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) locator here

Since most people are unfamiliar with the process I’ll post some tips and general information here that can assist with finding a family member.  If you need additional assistance contact an immigration attorney.

Visiting your friend or family member: