Understanding ICE Check-Ins: What Immigrants Need to Know
Individuals who have been released from immigration detention or who are currently in removal proceedings may be required to attend regular ICE check ins. These check-ins are a critical part of the supervision process that allows people to remain in the community while their immigration case moves forward. Because missing or mishandling a check-in can have serious consequences, it is important to understand how these appointments work, what happens during them, and how to prepare.
This article explains the ICE check-in process in detail and answers common questions about ICE detention, the ICE detainee locator, Federal Plaza check in procedures, and how immigration bond obligations relate to supervision.
What Is an ICE Check-In?
An ICE check in is a scheduled appointment with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), specifically with its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division. When someone is allowed to live in the United States while their case is pending—often after release from ICE detention, after posting an immigration bond, or through an Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program—they must report to ICE periodically.
The purpose of these appointments is for ICE to:
Verify the individual's identity
Confirm they are still living at their reported address
Ensure they are complying with court dates and supervision rules
Update them about future appointments or reporting requirements
Check-ins can be scheduled every few weeks, several months apart, or sometimes only once a year, depending on the case.
Why ICE Check-Ins Are Required
ICE uses check-ins as a way to maintain oversight of individuals who do not pose a flight risk or danger to the community and can safely live outside of detention facilities. These appointments serve several broader goals:
Case monitoring: ICE ensures that the person is aware of upcoming hearings, deadlines, or orders in their immigration case.
Location verification: ICE needs to confirm that the individual is still living at the address they provided.
Compliance checking: If someone has supervision conditions—such as GPS monitoring, employment restrictions, or reporting requirements—ICE confirms they are being followed.
Risk assessment: At each appointment, ICE evaluates whether the individual should remain on supervision or be taken back into ICE detention.
Because of these factors, it is extremely important to take every check-in seriously and arrive fully prepared.
How to Know When and Where to Report
You will typically receive a written appointment notice with your ICE check in appointment date, time, and location. Many people in New York and New Jersey, for example, report to Federal Plaza in Manhattan, while others report to local ICE field offices depending on their address.
If you lose your notice or are unsure about your next appointment, you should contact the local ICE office directly. You can also check whether someone has been detained or transferred by using the ICE detainee locator, which allows you to search by the person’s name or A-number. This tool is especially important if an individual fails to return from a check-in and family members need to locate them.
What Happens During an ICE Check-In Appointment?
The exact procedures vary by location, but most ICE check-ins follow a similar structure:
Identity Verification:
Upon arrival, an ICE officer will confirm your identity, usually by checking your passport, ID, or any ICE-issued documents.Address and Contact Review:
ICE will ask where you are currently living, who lives with you, and whether your phone number or emergency contact has changed. Providing accurate information is crucial. Giving false or outdated information may be considered a violation of supervision.Questions About Your Case or Daily Life:
Officers may ask about your employment, family situation, travel, or other personal matters to ensure you are complying with all conditions. These questions help ICE evaluate whether you remain eligible for release.Document Requests:
ICE may ask for updates such as proof of residence, medical records, or travel documents. Sometimes, ICE issues written instructions for what to bring to your next appointment.Next Steps or Future Appointments:
Before you leave, ICE typically schedules your next check-in or provides details on upcoming obligations.
Possibility of Detention
In some cases, ICE may decide to detain someone during a check-in. This most often happens when:
The person has a final order of removal
There are concerns about noncompliance with supervision
The individual is considered a flight risk
ICE determines the case no longer qualifies for community supervision
Although detention at a check-in is not the norm, it does occur and can happen without advance notice.
Federal Plaza Check-Ins (New York-Specific Information)
Many immigrants living in the New York region report to ICE at 26 Federal Plaza, which contains both the ICE ERO office and USCIS. A Federal Plaza check in has some unique logistical considerations:
Security: The building has airport-style security, and lines can be long. Arriving early is recommended.
Identification: Bring a valid photo ID and any ICE documents you received at prior appointments.
Wait times: Depending on the day, you may be at the appointment for a short time or for several hours.
Because this location handles a large volume of cases, being organized and prepared can help the process go more smoothly.
How the ICE Detainee Locator Works
The ICE detainee locator is a public online tool used to find individuals who are currently held in immigration detention. It is useful when:
A family member does not return from a check-in
Someone is transferred between detention facilities
A person is newly detained following a court hearing or arrest
The locator allows you to search by:
A-number (Alien Registration Number), or
Full name, date of birth, and country of birth
This tool updates regularly but may not reflect very recent detentions or transfers, so checking more than once may be necessary.
Immigration Bond and ICE Check-Ins
If you were released after paying an immigration bond, check-ins are typically a mandatory part of the bond conditions. Failure to attend can result in:
Bond revocation
Loss of the bond money
Immediate re-arrest
A negative impact on your immigration case
In many cases, individuals seek legal help to request bond redetermination, change of reporting requirements, or guidance on how to safely attend check-ins.
Preparing for Your ICE Check-In
To reduce risks and ensure your appointment goes smoothly, consider the following:
Bring all documents ICE previously issued to you
Have your address and phone number written down in case forms need updating
Keep copies of all immigration court notices
If you are concerned about your case, especially if you have a final removal order, speak with an immigration attorney before your appointment
Do not bring prohibited items to Federal Plaza or any government building
Being organized and well-informed is the best way to stay compliant and protect your case.
If You Need Support With ICE Check-Ins or Immigration Detention
Navigating an ICE check in, understanding the risks of ICE detention, and managing immigration bond obligations can be overwhelming. Professional guidance can help you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and how to safeguard your case.
If you have questions about your upcoming check-in, your rights, or how to assist a detained family member using the ICE detainee locator, consider consulting an experienced immigration attorney.
