ICE Removes Detainees with Final Removal Orders from Online Locator System

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has removed thousands of detainees with final deportation orders from its online locator system, complicating efforts for lawyers and relatives to locate them. This change, which took effect on September 15, 2026, has raised concerns that it may hinder last-minute legal appeals and challenges against deportations. According to ICE data, nearly 16,000 individuals booked into ICE detention in July had final removal orders, with many attorneys reporting that their clients have disappeared from the system without explanation. Current and former officials have indicated that this unannounced move represents a significant shift from previous practices, making it increasingly difficult to trace detainees and potentially limiting their legal options. The change does not apply to detainees held at specific facilities in Adelanto, Minneapolis, New York City, or suburban Chicago, where judges have mandated that detainee information be listed promptly. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has alerted its members about the situation, expressing concerns over the distress caused to families and the implications for attorney-client relationships. ICE has stated that detainees with final removal orders are being prioritized for deportation, despite facing numerous court injunctions. Legal experts emphasize that detainees still have avenues to challenge their removal and detention, including reopening their cases or filing habeas petitions. As of early July, ICE detention facilities held over 65,000 individuals, with approximately 30% likely having final removal orders. The recent increase in final removal orders has been attributed to difficulties in participating in immigration court hearings and reopening cases. Legal advocates have criticized the lack of transparency, comparing the situation to practices seen in other countries that raise concerns about individual rights and due process.