Immigration Resources

The City of Madera recognizes that questions about immigration enforcement can create uncertainty for residents and families. This page brings together reliable information about rights, family preparedness, and government services to help residents make informed decisions and support community well-being.

The City provides these resources for general information. It does not administer federal immigration programs, determine immigration status, or provide immigration legal advice. Federal authorities are responsible for federal immigration enforcement; the City does not direct or control those activities. Links are provided for convenience and do not constitute City endorsement of outside organizations or services.

Explore the resources below. Select a topic to view guidance and official links.

Know Your Rights

People in the United States have certain constitutional protections regardless of immigration status, including protections concerning due process and unreasonable searches and seizures. The rights and procedures that apply depend on the circumstances, including where an encounter occurs and the type of proceeding involved. Consult official guidance and a qualified legal professional about your situation.

California law also limits the use of state and local law enforcement resources for immigration enforcement, with exceptions. These limits do not prevent federal authorities from carrying out lawful federal enforcement activities.

California Attorney General: Immigration rights and protections — Government guidance, consumer alerts, and materials in English, Spanish, and other languages.

Family Preparedness

A practical emergency plan can help your household respond to an unexpected absence or other disruption. Preparing a plan does not mean an immigration-related emergency will occur.

Identify trusted emergency contacts and make sure family members know how to reach them.
Keep important records, medication information, school contacts, and essential phone numbers secure and accessible to a trusted person when needed.
Review school and child-care emergency contacts and authorized pickup arrangements.
Discuss appropriate arrangements for children's care if a parent or guardian becomes unavailable.

California Courts: Help for children and families explains planning options and provides caregiver forms. A Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit has specific eligibility requirements and limits; it does not give a caregiver legal custody. A lawyer or court self-help center can explain which arrangements may fit your family's needs.

Finding Qualified Legal Assistance

Immigration matters can affect important rights and deadlines. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)-accredited representative working through a DOJ-recognized organization. Confirm that the person is authorized to handle the type of matter involved. Immigration consultants and notarios cannot provide immigration legal advice simply because they offer document preparation or notary services.

State Bar of California: Resources for immigrants — Information on finding legal help and avoiding fraud.
State Bar Attorney Search — Verify a California attorney's license status and review the attorney's public record.
DOJ recognized organizations and accredited representatives — Official rosters to locate and verify recognized organizations and representatives, including the scope of accreditation.
USCIS: Legal services — Who may represent you before USCIS and how to check eligibility.

The City does not recommend individual providers. Availability, fees, eligibility, and the scope of assistance vary.

Locating Someone in Immigration Detention

The federal ICE Online Detainee Locator System provides a way to search for adults in ICE custody or people held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more than 48 hours. It does not search records for people under age 18.

Search using the person's A-Number and country of birth, or their exact first and last names and country of birth; date-of-birth fields are also available. The A-Number search requires nine digits, adding leading zeros if needed. Follow the locator's current instructions. Information may be incomplete or unavailable; no search result does not establish that a person is not detained.

USAGov: Locating someone detained by ICE explains follow-up options, including contacting an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office or a known detention facility.

Contact Your State and Federal Representatives

Elected representatives' offices may help constituents navigate government agencies. Federal immigration casework is handled by federal offices. Casework is not legal representation and does not guarantee an outcome; offices generally need written authorization to inquire about an individual case.

Resources reviewed November 9, 2026. Laws, procedures, and officeholders can change. Follow the linked agencies' current guidance. This page provides general information, not legal advice.