where can i go to find out if a person was deported?

Although imperfect sometimes, your father can apply for his records under the freedom of information act. He can send requests to both U.S.C.I.S. and CBP. He can send an FOIA request to U.S.C.I.S. with a G- 639 freedom of information/privacy act request and proper identification to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services National Records Center, FOIA/PA Office P. O. Box 648010 Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010 CBP prefers FOIA requests electronically at https://foiaonline.regulations.gov/foia/action/public/home  Your father can then create an FOIA online account and simply follow the prompts to make an FOIA request. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.