When U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests someone you love, it can be one of the most stressful moments for any family. Calls don’t go through, information is limited, and the process feels unfamiliar.
If your loved one was arrested in Nashville or elsewhere in Tennessee, knowing what to do next can make a real difference. This guide walks you through how to locate them, understand their rights, and get legal help from an experienced immigration detention lawyer in Nashville.
1. Find Your Loved One and Confirm ICE Custody
Start by using the official ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) to confirm whether your loved one is in ICE custody. You can search by A-Number, or by their full name and country of birth.
If the arrest was recent, ODLS may take up to 24 hours to update.
ICE Detainers in Tennessee
If your loved one was already in a local jail, ICE may place an “immigration hold” (detainer). Under 8 C.F.R. § 287.7(d), local authorities can hold a person up to 48 hours beyond their release so ICE can take custody — but they need a valid federal order to hold anyone longer.
Common Detention Facilities
Most detainees from the Nashville area are held at:
- West Tennessee Detention Facility in Mason, TN
- Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, GA
You can also contact the ICE ERO Nashville Field Office at (615) 664-5500 (ICE contact page).
If you need help, The Cassell Firm’s immigration team can contact ICE directly to locate your loved one and confirm their custody status.
2. Talk to an Immigration Detention Lawyer in Nashville
People detained by ICE do not receive free legal counsel, because immigration cases are civil, not criminal matters under 8 U.S.C. § 1362.
A skilled immigration detention lawyer in Nashville can:
- Request a bond hearing for release
- Speak with ICE officers and detention center staff
- Review the Notice to Appear (NTA) and explain the charges
- Guide your family through the next legal steps
Under 8 C.F.R. § 292.5(a), ICE must allow lawyers to communicate confidentially with their clients and arrange calls or visits.
Need to speak with a lawyer? Schedule a consultation today.
3. Ask for a Bond Hearing in Nashville
Some people in ICE custody may qualify for release on bond, allowing them to return home while their immigration case continues.
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a), ICE or an immigration judge can grant bond. However, some cases involving criminal offenses may fall under mandatory detention as outlined in § 1226(c).
Your lawyer can file a Motion for Bond Redetermination with the Nashville Immigration Court. The judge will determine whether your loved one poses a flight risk or threat to public safety.
Average bond amounts in Tennessee range between $1,500 and $20,000, depending on the situation. Only a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can post bond, and payments must be made directly to ICE. For payment procedures, see the ICE Bond Payment Guide.
If the judge denies bond, your attorney can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days, as provided under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.38. Learn more about immigration bond hearings in Nashville.