By Dr. Jae Francis | Francis Law Center — US Immigration Attorney Serving All 50 States
Receiving the news that a family member or friend has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is one of the most frightening experiences an immigrant family can face. In 2026, ICE enforcement in Wisconsin has expanded dramatically. Individuals are being detained at airports, at workplaces, and even during routine ICE check-ins.
Whether your loved one is undocumented, a lawful permanent resident, or holds DACA status, understanding the detention process and knowing what steps to take immediately can make the difference between release and deportation. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about ICE detention in Wisconsin, from locating a detainee to fighting removal in immigration court.
Who Is Being Detained by ICE in Wisconsin?
Under the current enforcement climate, ICE is casting a wider net than at any point in recent memory. Wisconsin residents can be detained if they have significant criminal records, outstanding final orders of removal, entered the United States without inspection, or overstayed their visas.
In 2026, ICE is also detaining individuals who were previously considered lower-priority or protected, including DACA recipients and people with pending applications for U visas, T visas, VAWA self-petitions, and asylum. According to recent reports, at least 261 DACA recipients have been arrested and 86 have been deported nationwide since January 2025. Having a pending immigration application no longer guarantees protection from enforcement action.
Where Are ICE Detainees Held in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has two primary facilities where ICE detainees are held. Understanding where your loved one is being held is the first step toward helping them.
| Facility | Location | Notes |
| Dodge County Jail | Juneau, WI (Dodge County) | Wisconsin’s primary ICE detention facility. Has maintained a 287(g) agreement with ICE for over 20 years. |
| Kenosha County Detention Center | Kenosha, WI | Used for individuals detained in southeastern Wisconsin. |
ICE has also transferred detainees to the Douglas County Jail in Superior, Wisconsin, and to facilities in neighboring states such as Illinois. In early 2025, ICE transferred at least 108 immigrants from Minneapolis to the Douglas County Jail alone. A new ICE field office is also opening in Milwaukee, which may further expand enforcement operations in the state.
How to Locate a Detained Family Member or Friend
Time is critical after a detention. The sooner you locate your loved one, the sooner an attorney can begin working on their case. There are several tools available to help you find a detained individual.
The ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) is the primary tool for locating someone in ICE custody. You can search using the detainee’s A-Number (Alien Registration Number) and country of birth, or by using their full name, country of birth, and date of birth. If the ODLS does not return results, the person may have been recently transferred or may still be in Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody. You can also call the ICE Detainee Locator hotline at (888) 351-4024.
To check the status of their immigration court case, use the EOIR Automated Case Information System (ACIS) or call the EOIR hotline at 1-800-898-7180. This system will tell you whether a case has been filed, the next hearing date, and the assigned immigration court.
Check for Criminal Records and Gather Documents
Before meeting with an immigration attorney, check the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (CCAP) system to determine whether your detained family member has any criminal records in Wisconsin. Criminal convictions can significantly impact eligibility for bond and defenses against deportation, so your attorney needs this information as early as possible.
You should also immediately locate the following documents if they are available: the detainee’s passport, any visas they used to enter the United States, their Employment Authorization Document (EAD), any USCIS receipts or approval notices, and their A-Number. These documents will be essential for building a legal defense.
How to Get Released from ICE Detention
Being placed in an ICE detention facility is not the end of the road. There are two primary legal avenues to seek release: requesting an immigration bond hearing and filing a habeas corpus petition in federal court.
Option 1: Immigration Bond Hearing
When ICE detains an individual, the agency may set a bond amount or determine that the person should be held without bond. If ICE does not set a bond, or if the bond is set too high, an immigration attorney can file a motion requesting a bond hearing before an immigration judge. At this hearing, the judge will evaluate whether the detainee is a flight risk or a danger to the community. If the judge determines the individual is neither, they may set a reasonable bond amount.
It is important to understand that certain individuals are subject to mandatory detention under federal immigration law and are not eligible for a bond hearing. This includes individuals with certain aggravated felony convictions and those detained at the border. An experienced immigration attorney can evaluate whether your loved one qualifies for a bond hearing.
Option 2: Filing a Habeas Corpus Petition in Federal Court
If the immigration court denies bond, or if the detainee is being held under circumstances that may be unlawful, filing a writ of habeas corpus in federal district court may be the most effective remedy. A habeas corpus petition asks a federal judge to review whether the government has the legal authority to continue detaining the individual.
Federal courts have increasingly scrutinized ICE detention practices in recent years. Common scenarios where habeas petitions have succeeded include cases where individuals were denied bond hearings after entering without inspection, cases where detention has become prolonged without a reasonably foreseeable removal date, and cases where individuals with grants of withholding of removal remain detained while ICE searches for a third country. Since January 2025, immigrants have filed more than 30,000 habeas corpus petitions in federal court, with an average of 200 petitions filed per day.
Fighting Deportation in Removal Proceedings
Securing release from detention is only the first step. Every detainee must still go through removal proceedings in immigration court to avoid deportation. During these proceedings, an immigration judge will determine whether the individual can be legally removed from the United States and whether any defenses or forms of relief apply.
Depending on the individual’s circumstances, an experienced immigration attorney may be able to pursue defenses such as asylum, withholding of removal, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or protection under the Convention Against Torture (CAT). The specific defense strategy will depend on the detainee’s immigration history, criminal record, family ties in the United States, and the country conditions in their home country.
What to Do Immediately If a Loved One Is Detained
The following steps should be taken as quickly as possible after learning that a family member or friend has been detained by ICE in Wisconsin.
- Locate the detainee using the ICE Online Detainee Locator or by calling (888) 351-4024.
- Check their case status using the EOIR Automated Case Information System or by calling 1-800-898-7180.
- Check for criminal records on Wisconsin CCAP.
- Gather documents including passports, visas, EADs, USCIS notices, and the A-Number.
- Contact an immigration attorney immediately to discuss bond hearing or habeas corpus options.
- Do not sign any documents without first consulting with an attorney, especially voluntary departure agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can DACA recipients be detained by ICE in 2026?
A: Yes. In 2026, ICE has detained DACA recipients across the country, including individuals with no criminal record. Having active DACA status does not guarantee protection from enforcement action.
Q: What is an A-Number and where can I find it?
A: An A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a unique number assigned to noncitizens by the Department of Homeland Security. It appears on green cards, Employment Authorization Documents, USCIS correspondence, and ICE paperwork.
Q: How long can ICE hold someone without a bond hearing?
A: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but courts have held that prolonged detention without a hearing may violate due process. A habeas corpus petition can challenge detention that has become unreasonably long.
Q: Can someone with a pending U visa or asylum application be detained?
A: Yes. In 2026, ICE has detained individuals with pending humanitarian applications, including U visas, T visas, VAWA self-petitions, and asylum cases. A pending application does not prevent ICE from initiating enforcement action.
Q: What is the difference between a bond hearing and a habeas corpus petition?
A: A bond hearing takes place in immigration court before an immigration judge. A habeas corpus petition is filed in federal district court and challenges the legality of the detention itself. Habeas is typically pursued when the immigration court denies bond or when the detainee is subject to mandatory detention.
How Francis Law Center Can Help
Navigating ICE detention and removal proceedings is one of the most complex and high-stakes areas of U.S. immigration law, but you do not have to face it alone. At Francis Law Center, we specialize in Removal Defense, helping individuals and families across all 50 states fight deportation and secure their future in the United States.
Whether your loved one is detained at the Dodge County Jail in Juneau, facing removal proceedings in immigration court, or needs a habeas corpus petition filed in federal court, Dr. Jae Francis and our experienced legal team are here to guide you every step of the way. We understand the urgency of detention cases and will work aggressively to protect your family’s rights. You deserve peace of mind.
Hablamos Español. Our bilingual team is ready to assist clients who feel more comfortable communicating in Spanish. We believe language should never be a barrier when it comes to protecting your future.
Don’t wait to protect your loved one’s immigration status. 📞 Call Francis Law Center today at 866-868-1596 or visit www.francislawcenter.com to schedule a consultation.
