This guide is for people detained by ICE in Kentucky and for their families. Kentucky experienced a dramatic expansion of immigration detention in 2025. The number of ICE detainees held in Kentucky jails rose 659% - from approximately 120 in January 2025 to 914 by August 2025, across at least nine county jails. By February 2026, the average daily population had reached 1,041 people across multiple Kentucky facilities, with over 70% having no criminal record or pending criminal charges. Kentucky falls under the ICE Chicago Field Office. Boone County Detention Center in Burlington has been the only full-time ICE detention center in Kentucky since 2005 and remains the primary facility; however, at least 11 additional county jails began holding ICE detainees consistently in 2025. Bond has been difficult to obtain - only 5% of Kentucky ICE detainees received bond under the Trump administration, versus 15% under Biden - but the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (which covers Kentucky) rejected the administration's mandatory detention policy in a May 2026 decision that should lead to more bond hearings. Free legal help is limited; the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago has staff who work with Kentucky detainees. Last verified: June 2026.
Step 1: Find Your Family Member - Right Now
ICE Online Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
You need: the person's full legal name, date of birth, and country of birth - OR their A-Number (Alien Registration Number). Kentucky detainees are frequently transferred between county jails - contact each of the facilities below if the locator shows nothing after 24-48 hours.
ICE Detention Reporting and Information Line: 1-888-351-4024 (toll-free)
EOIR Immigration Court Case Status: 1-800-898-7180
ICE Chicago Field Office (covers Kentucky): Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov
Boone County Detention Center (primary facility): (859) 334-2143 - available 24 hours for detainee information
Kenton County Detention Center (Covington): (859) 363-2400 - available 24 hours
If you cannot locate a family member through the locator: Kentucky detainees are regularly transferred between county jails based on available bed space. Call Boone County first, then Kenton and Oldham counties. All facilities are concentrated in northern Kentucky (near Cincinnati) and are within the ICE Chicago Field Office's region. People arrested in Illinois who cannot be held there are often transferred to Kentucky.
Step 2: Where ICE Detainees Are Held in Kentucky
Kentucky uses county jails as ICE detention facilities - there is no dedicated ICE detention center. All Kentucky county jails that hold ICE detainees do so under contracts with the federal government, earning per-diem payments ranging from $85 to $140 per detainee per day.
Boone County Detention Center - Burlington (Primary Facility)
3020 Conrad Lane, Burlington, KY 41005
Phone (24 hours): (859) 334-2143
ICE case information: Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov | (312) 347-2400
Tablets/messaging: inmatesales.com
Boone County Detention Center has held ICE detainees since 2005 and is the only full-time ICE detention center in Kentucky. It is located in Burlington, in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati, Ohio. Capacity is 424 beds. The facility complies with ICE detention standards, including regular ICE inspections (weekly by ICE agents, monthly by ICE supervisors, and twice-yearly by the ICE Office of Detention Oversight). Inspectors found three deficiencies related to timely medical care access in November 2024, which the facility said were rectified. Past documented concerns include overcrowding (cited in state inspections in January and November 2024), inadequate medical care, and one man's year-long detention that a federal judge ruled violated the US Constitution.
Visiting: Tuesday 7 AM-12 PM (last names A-M); Thursday 7 AM-12 PM (last names N-Z); Saturday 7 AM-12 PM (all detainees). All visits must be scheduled through inmatesales.com. Arrive 45 minutes early. Visits limited to 30 minutes (Tuesday/Thursday) or 15 minutes (Saturday). Valid government ID required. Minors must be accompanied by adults 18+.
Phone: Outgoing calls only (no incoming calls). To leave an urgent message: call (859) 334-2143 and speak with the shift supervisor; provide full name, A-Number, your name and callback number.
Mail: Boone County Jail accepts only pre-stamped white postcards for personal mail. Magazines, newspapers, and books must be sent directly from the publisher. Mail to: [Detainee Full Name], Boone County Jail, P.O. Box 898, Burlington, KY 41005.
Kenton County Detention Center - Covington
3000 Decker Crane Lane, Covington, KY 41011
Phone (24 hours): (859) 363-2400 | Urgent messages: (859) 363-2433
ICE attorney email: KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org
ICE/ERO complaint address: 101 W Ida B Wells Drive, Suite 4000, Chicago, IL 60605
Tablets/messaging: inmatesales.com
Money: inmatesales.com
Kenton County Detention Center in Covington (near Cincinnati) contracted with ICE in summer 2025 and held approximately 84 detainees by August 2025. Also in northern Kentucky near the Ohio border.
Legal VTC: KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org - The facility will respond with instructions for Combine Public Communications for private attorney visits.
Mail: [Detainee Name, last 4 digits of A-Number], Kenton County Jail / Detention Center, 3000 Decker Crane Ln., Covington, KY 41011
Legal attorney visiting: Monday-Friday 8 AM-4 PM. Outside hours granted case-by-case.
Campbell County Detention Center - Alexandria
Campbell County, KY (Alexandria area)
Phone: (859) 635-2125 (Campbell County Sheriff)
ICE case information: Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov
Campbell County contracted with ICE by April 2025 and grew to nearly 150 average detainees by mid-August 2025. Also in northern Kentucky near Cincinnati.
Oldham County Detention Center - LaGrange
Oldham County, KY (LaGrange area - approximately 25 miles northeast of Louisville)
Phone: (502) 222-0648 (Oldham County Sheriff)
ICE case information: Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov
Oldham County Jail has held ICE detainees for several years. By February 2026, it held approximately 128 ICE detainees. Oldham County Jailer Jeff Tindall has confirmed the jail sometimes picks up ICE detainees from the Louisville Metro Detention Center for 72-hour holds before transferring them to Boone County.
Grayson County Detention Center - Leitchfield
Grayson County, KY (Leitchfield - approximately 80 miles south of Louisville)
Phone: (270) 259-3024 (Grayson County Sheriff)
ICE case information: Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov
Grayson County Detention Center (capacity 536) was holding 759 people total in February 2026 - more than 200 above capacity - including 158 ICE detainees. Significant overcrowding concern documented by League of Women Voters Kentucky in March 2026.
Other Kentucky Jails Holding ICE Detainees
As of 2025-2026, at least 12 Kentucky county jails hold ICE detainees. In addition to the above, confirmed facilities include:
Laurel County Correctional Center (London, KY): (606) 878-7000 (Laurel County Sheriff)
Hopkins County Detention Center (Madisonville, KY): (270) 825-8502 (Hopkins County Sheriff)
Bourbon County Detention Center (Paris, KY): (859) 987-2112 (Bourbon County Sheriff)
Fayette County Detention Center (Lexington, KY): (859) 252-1771 (Fayette County Sheriff)
Daviess County Detention Center (Owensboro, KY): (270) 685-8477 (Daviess County Sheriff)
Christian County Jail (Hopkinsville, KY): (270) 887-4143 (Christian County Sheriff)
Woodford County Detention Center (Versailles, KY): (859) 873-6441 (Woodford County Sheriff)
Call the ICE Detention Reporting Line (1-888-351-4024) or use the ICE Detainee Locator if you cannot determine which facility holds your family member.
Step 3: Get Legal Help
Kentucky has limited free immigration legal resources. The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) in Chicago serves Kentucky detainees under the ICE Chicago Field Office region. Staff attorney Mary Georgevich with NIJC has been documented working with Boone County detainees. Legal help is critical - only 5% of Kentucky ICE detainees have received bond under the current administration without legal representation.
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) - Primary Detention Resource
immigrantjustice.org | Chicago
NIJC provides free legal services to detained immigrants in the Chicago Field Office region, including Kentucky. NIJC staff have direct experience with Kentucky detention facilities, particularly Boone County. Contact NIJC for potential representation or referrals. NIJC also has a free Immigration Court Help Desk at the Chicago and Indianapolis immigration courts.
Collect calls from detention to NIJC: (312) 583-9721 | Pro bono platform code: 565
Kentucky Legal Aid and Legal Services Organizations
Kentucky Legal Services: kyls.org - Free civil legal services for low-income Kentuckians; limited immigration capacity but can provide referrals.
Legal Aid of the Bluegrass: lablaw.org | (859) 233-3800 | Lexington - Serves central and eastern Kentucky.
Louisville Legal Aid Society: laslou.org | (502) 584-1254 | Louisville - Serves Jefferson County and surrounding areas.
Western Kentucky Legal Services: wkls.org | (270) 782-1924 | Bowling Green - Serves western Kentucky.
Immigration legal service providers in Kentucky
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Louisville and Diocese of Covington: Catholic Charities offices in Louisville and Covington provide some immigration legal services. Contact your local Catholic Charities diocese for current intake information.
AMMPARO (ELCA Accompaniment) and faith-based legal support: Several faith communities in Kentucky have been active in immigrant advocacy and can provide referrals. Contact local churches and the Kentucky Council of Churches for current resources.
Sixth Circuit habeas corpus petitions
In May 2026, the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (which covers Kentucky) rejected the Trump administration's mandatory detention policy - a decision that attorneys say will lead to bond hearings for many people detained in Kentucky who were previously denied hearings. If a family member has been denied a bond hearing, contact a lawyer immediately about pursuing a habeas corpus petition in federal court (US District Court for the Eastern or Western District of Kentucky, depending on location of detention).
EOIR Pro Bono List
Each Kentucky ICE detention facility is required to post a pro bono legal service list in housing units. Ask your family member to request the list and use the facility phone or tablet to contact providers.
Immigration Advocates Network
immigrationadvocates.org - National searchable directory; search by Kentucky.
Step 4: Bond - How to Get Someone Released
Bond has been extremely difficult to obtain in Kentucky under the current administration. Data shows only 5% of people held by ICE in Kentucky received bond under Trump (compared to 15% under Biden). The Trump administration's mandatory detention policy - which sought to eliminate bond hearings entirely for many categories of immigrants - was rejected by the Sixth Circuit in May 2026. This ruling applies to Kentucky and all other states in the Sixth Circuit. This means bond hearings should now be available to more Kentucky ICE detainees.
Having an attorney dramatically increases the chance of receiving bond and getting a lower bond amount. Contact NIJC immediately.
Bond posting for Kentucky detainees
Bond cannot be posted at any Kentucky ICE detention facility. The closest ICE ERO facility that accepts bond for Kentucky detainees (particularly Boone County, Kenton County, and northern Kentucky facilities) is:
ICE ERO Atlanta: 180 Ted Turner Drive SW, 3rd Floor, Room 337, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 893-1224 - Monday-Friday (except federal holidays) 9 AM-3 PM
Note: This is a long-distance drive from northern Kentucky. A licensed immigration bond agent can post bond electronically for a fee of 2%-15% of the bond amount, avoiding the need to travel to Atlanta.
Payment: Money order, cashier's check, or certified check payable to 'Department of Homeland Security.' Bring the detainee's full name, A-Number, and bond order from the immigration judge.
Bond Funds
National Immigrant Bond Fund
immigrantbondfund.org - National fund; requires family contribution.
Vera Institute - SAFE Network
vera.org - Check for current availability in Kentucky.
Step 5: Communication at Kentucky Facilities
Boone County Detention Center - Burlington
Visiting: Tuesdays (A-M) and Thursdays (N-Z) 7 AM-12 PM; Saturdays (all) 7 AM-12 PM. Must schedule through inmatesales.com. Arrive 45 minutes early. 30 minutes weekdays / 15 minutes Saturdays.
Mail: Pre-stamped white postcards only for personal mail. Books/magazines/newspapers from publishers only. Address: [Name], Boone County Jail, P.O. Box 898, Burlington, KY 41005.
Messaging/Tablets: inmatesales.com
Phone: Outgoing only; urgent messages via shift supervisor at (859) 334-2143.
Kenton County Detention Center - Covington
Visiting: Contact (859) 363-2400 for current visiting hours and registration.
Tablets/Messaging: inmatesales.com | Money: inmatesales.com
Mail: [Name, last 4 of A-Number], Kenton County Jail, 3000 Decker Crane Ln., Covington, KY 41011
Urgent messages: (859) 363-2433
Attorney VTC: KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org
Other Kentucky Facilities
Contact each county sheriff's office directly for current visiting hours, phone, mail, and money procedures. All numbers are listed in Step 1.
Step 6: Kentucky's Enforcement Context and Your Rights
Kentucky as an Illinois overflow state:
Kentucky's position as a detention hub is partly driven by Illinois' 2021 law banning ICE contracts with county jails and state prisons. People arrested by ICE in Illinois who cannot be held in that state are regularly transferred to Kentucky - adding hundreds of additional detainees to Kentucky's county jail network.
Overcrowding and conditions:
The League of Women Voters Kentucky documented in March 2026 that Grayson County Detention Center was holding 759 people in a facility with 536 beds - more than 40% over capacity. Overcrowding in county jails creates serious conditions problems: sleeping without beds, inadequate shower and toilet facilities, inability to maintain basic modesty. Report any conditions concerns to NIJC, local lawyers, or the DHS Inspector General.
Sixth Circuit bond ruling (May 2026):
The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit rejected the Trump administration's mandatory detention policy in a decision that attorneys say should lead to bond hearings for many people held in Kentucky who were previously denied them. This is a rapidly changing legal area - contact NIJC or a local immigration attorney immediately to assess whether a bond hearing is now available for your family member.
Revenue-driven detention:
Multiple Kentucky county jailers have explicitly described contracting with ICE as a revenue source. Oldham County invoiced ICE approximately $3.7 million since Trump took office. At $85-$140 per detainee per day, ICE detention generates millions of dollars for county budgets across Kentucky. This financial incentive has driven rapid expansion of the detention network regardless of capacity concerns.
Do not sign anything without an attorney:
KyCIR reporting documented that ICE pushes Kentucky detainees toward voluntary departure and removal. Signing can permanently waive legal rights. Say: 'I will not sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.'
Key rights every detainee has:
The right to speak with an attorney. Free calls to pro bono providers on the posted list are required.
The right to a bond hearing before an immigration judge (subject to current legal disputes - contact a lawyer immediately given the Sixth Circuit ruling).
The right to be free from physical, sexual, and verbal abuse.
The right to access medical care.
The right to adequate living conditions - not overcrowded, with access to showers, toilets, and sleeping space.
The right to communicate with your home country's consulate (free calls required).
To report abuse, overcrowding, or file a complaint:
NIJC: immigrantjustice.org | (312) 583-9721
League of Women Voters Kentucky: lwvky.org
DHS Inspector General: oig.dhs.gov | 1-800-323-8603
Quick Reference - Kentucky ICE Detainee Resources
Find a detainee:
ICE Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
ICE Detention Reporting Line: 1-888-351-4024
EOIR Case Status: 1-800-898-7180
ICE Chicago Field Office: Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov
Primary detention facilities:
Boone County (Burlington): 3020 Conrad Lane - (859) 334-2143 (24 hrs)
Kenton County (Covington): 3000 Decker Crane Lane - (859) 363-2400 (24 hrs)
Campbell County (Alexandria): (859) 635-2125
Oldham County (LaGrange): (502) 222-0648
Grayson County (Leitchfield): (270) 259-3024
Laurel County (London): (606) 878-7000
Legal help:
NIJC: immigrantjustice.org | Collect from detention: (312) 583-9721 | Code 565
Post bond:
ICE ERO Atlanta: 180 Ted Turner Drive SW, Suite 337, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 893-1224 - Monday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM
Or use a licensed bond agent to post electronically
Boone County communication:
Visiting: Schedule at inmatesales.com | Mail: P.O. Box 898, Burlington, KY 41005 (postcards only)
Kenton County attorney VTC: KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org
Sources and verification: LPM/KyCIR, 'Inside Kentucky's ICE Detention Center,' February 12-13, 2025 (Boone County Burlington 3020 Conrad Lane; (859) 334-2143; contracted with ICE since 2005; Kentucky falls under ICE Chicago region; Illinois banned jails 2021 so people end up in Kentucky; Franklin Campbell Louisville limited cooperation notify no hold; Oldham picks up from Louisville for 72 hours then Boone; ICE assistant field office director Jeremy Bacon; Nov 2024 ODD three deficiencies medical care rectified; Jan 2024 overcrowded four dorms three cells Nov 2024 two overcrowded cells; NIJC Mary Georgevich Boone County clients; inspections advance notice language barrier; 2021 investigation COVID recreation medical racist behavior; MTB year-long Boone County detention violated constitution); LPM/KyCIR, 'Trump's Deportation Machine Sends Thousands of Immigrants to Kentucky Jails,' May 26, 2026 (after Biden: Boone Grayson Fayette Oldham held ICE detainees; after Trump: added Bourbon Campbell Christian Daviess Hopkins Kenton Laurel Woodford; Leyla Navarrete Nicaragua Indiana asylum work permit August 7 2025 check-in detained; Oldham invoiced ICE $3.7 million since Trump regained office; Oldham 1,800 people Oct 2022 early March 2026; $100/day up to 12 jails plus transport guarding hospital; 70% deported Oct 2022 early March 2026; only 5% bond under Trump 15% under Biden; Sixth Circuit rejected mandatory detention policy May 2026 will lead to bond hearings; habeas corpus petitions); LPM, 'Report: Kentucky Jails Contracting with ICE Have 659% Increase in Detainees This Year,' October 7, 2025 (January 2025 120.5 average daily Boone only; August 18 2025 915.0 total nine jails = 659% increase; 1,293 ICE arrests Kentucky Jan 20 to end July 37.6% increase over 2024 same period; Campbell contracted by April grew to 150 average August; Kenton contracted summer 84 August; other: Bourbon Fayette Laurel fewer than dozen each; 14 local law enforcement 287g agreements; nine county jails contracted); WDRB, 'New Report Finds Kentucky ICE Detainers Have More Than Doubled in 5 Months,' March 14, 2026 (LWV Kentucky report; average daily 1,041 February 2026 up 435 from September 2025 606; 70%+ non-criminal immigration violations up from 47%; Grayson County 536 beds 759 people 158 ICE detainees; nine county jails; Oldham closest Louisville 128 ICE detainees); Kentucky Lantern, 'More Than 1,000 Being Held by ICE in Kentucky Jails,' March 16, 2026 (1,041 February 2026; 434 September 2025; LWV Jennifer Jackson statement; 30 287g agreements statewide including four jail 287g: Grayson Kenton Oldham Bullitt; HB 47 Rep TJ Roberts Burlington Kentucky State Police posts 287g; four-page LWV analysis); Hopkins County jail May 2025 (contracted April 22; 20 ICE detainees; certified long-term from 72-hour; financial decision per diem; Madisonville; 416 beds 90 empty); ICE Boone County page (ice.gov; 3020 Conrad Lane Burlington KY 41005; (859) 334-2143; inmatesales.com tablets; Tuesdays A-M 7-12 Thursdays N-Z 7-12 Saturdays all 7-12; 30 min weekdays 15 min Saturdays; 45 min early; schedule inmatesales.com; postcards only personal mail P.O. Box 898 Burlington KY 41005; books magazines publishers only; urgent message shift supervisor (859) 334-2143); ICE Kenton County page (ice.gov; 3000 Decker Crane Lane Covington KY 41011; (859) 363-2400; urgent (859) 363-2433; KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org VTC Combine Public Communications; inmatesales.com tablets and money; mail name last 4 A-number Kenton County Jail 3000 Decker Crane Lane; attorney Mon-Fri 8-4; complaints 101 W Ida B Wells Drive Suite 4000 Chicago IL 60605); cfiaus.com Boone County (bond at ICE ERO Atlanta 180 Ted Turner Drive SW 3rd Floor Room 337 Atlanta GA 30303; Monday-Friday except holidays 9 AM-3 PM; bonds not at Boone County; 2%-10% agent fee). Volatile items: Verify which county jails currently have active ICE contracts (expanded from 1 in January 2025 to 9 by August 2025 to 12+ by February 2026; check ice.gov detention facilities list and LWV Kentucky reports for current count); verify Sixth Circuit bond ruling impact (May 2026 Sixth Circuit rejected mandatory detention policy; ongoing litigation; verify whether bond hearings are now being held in Kentucky before advising families); verify ICE ERO Atlanta is still the correct bond posting location for Kentucky (it was as of cfiaus.com data; confirm at 1-888-351-4024 or Chicago.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov); verify Boone County visiting schedule (currently Tue/Thu/Sat via inmatesales.com; verify this has not changed); verify Grayson Laurel Hopkins other facility current contact information and visiting procedures. Last verified: June 2026.