Houston Contract Detention Facility

Houston Contract Detention Facility Information

The Houston Contract Detention Facility is an ICE detention center located in Houston, Texas The facility's address is 15850 Export Plaza Drive, Houston, TX 77032 If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (281) 449-1481 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Recent news specifically about the Houston Contract Detention Facility is limited. However, it is important to note that conditions and health issues in detention facilities can vary and may be subject to ongoing investigations or changes. The Houston Contract Detention Facility is operated by the private prison company GEO Group under a contract with ICE The facility has a capacity of 1,000 detainees The facility has been the subject of criticism in the past, with reports of poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and allegations of abuse It is important to stay informed about the current state of the facility, detainee conditions, and health issues by consulting official sources such as ICE or relevant government agencies.

Understanding the Houston Contract Detention Facility: A Detailed Insight

The Houston Contract Detention Facility (HCDF) in Houston, Texas, stands as a crucial component of the U.S. immigration detention system. Since its establishment in 1984, HCDF has played a significant role in housing detainees awaiting immigration proceedings. Operated by CoreCivic, this facility is subject to a set of standards and guidelines known as the Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) 2011 (Revised 2016), aimed at ensuring humane and safe conditions for detainees. Let's explore this detention facility in detail, from its history and operations to the various services it provides.

## I. History and Operations

HCDF was inaugurated in 1984, marking the beginning of its service to the immigration enforcement system. It has been a vital part of the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) since 1986. ERO Houston oversees the management of detainees in the facility. This establishment operates under the Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) 2011 (Revised 2016), which sets forth guidelines for the detention and care of individuals awaiting immigration proceedings.

## II. Key Service Providers

To ensure the well-being of detainees, HCDF relies on multiple service providers. These providers play specific roles in maintaining the facility's operations:

- **Trinity Services Group:** Trinity Services Group is responsible for providing food services, ensuring detainees receive regular and nutritious meals during their stay.
- **Immigration Health Service Corps:** This organization offers medical care, addressing the healthcare needs of detainees and ensuring their overall well-being.
- **CoreCivic:** Besides the facility's operation, CoreCivic provides commissary services, which include offering various products to detainees.

## III. Accreditations and Certifications

HCDF places a strong emphasis on ensuring its operations adhere to the highest standards of care and safety. As a testament to this commitment, the facility has earned several notable accreditations and certifications:

- In February 2021, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care accredited HCDF.
- In April 2022, the American Correctional Association also accredited the facility, underscoring its dedication to meeting stringent correctional standards.
- Furthermore, HCDF underwent an audit for compliance with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in June 2021 and earned DHS PREA Certification.

## IV. Contacting Detainees

If you need to contact a detainee housed at HCDF, the facility provides a specific contact number: (281) 449-1481. However, there are essential details you should have ready when calling:

- **Biographical Information:** This includes the detainee's first name, last name, any hyphenated names, any aliases they might use, their date of birth, and their country of birth.

It's important to note that detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you have an urgent message to convey to a detainee, you can call the provided number and leave the detainee's full name, alien registration number, and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. Rest assured that the detainee will receive your message.

## V. Visitation and Bonding

Visitation is a crucial aspect of the lives of detainees, providing them with a connection to the outside world and offering much-needed support. HCDF follows a specific visitation schedule:

- **Sundays through Wednesdays:**
  - Males: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  - Females: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

- **Thursdays through Saturdays:**
  - Males: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  - Females: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Visitation days alternate according to the last digit of the detainee's A# number, whether EVEN or ODD. While the facility provides an opportunity for one non-contact visit per week, this duration can vary based on the number of visitors and potential security risks.

For those who may need extended visits due to long-distance travel or other unique circumstances, a Request for Information form can be submitted to the Chief of Security for approval.

Visitor guidelines are in place to maintain a safe and respectful environment. Visitors must be in appropriate attire, with some clothing items, like shorts, mini skirts, and sleeveless shirts, prohibited.

**Bonds for aliens detained by ICE** may be posted at ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nationwide, Monday through Friday (except public holidays) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., local time. Money orders, cashier's checks, or certified checks are acceptable forms of payment, with single cashier or certified checks being the only method for bonds of $10,000 and over.

## VI. Attorney Visits and Legal Services

Attorneys and paralegals play a vital role in providing legal representation to detainees. HCDF facilitates these interactions:

- **Visitation Hours:** Attorneys and/or paralegals are authorized to visit their clients seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., including holidays. On court days, they may arrive as early as 6:30 a.m.

- **Pro Bono Legal Organizations:** A list of pro bono legal organizations is posted in detainee housing units for those who may need assistance.

- **Video Teleconferencing:** Legal representatives may request Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) meetings or confidential legal phone calls. A CoreCivic staff member assists in scheduling these meetings, ensuring that attorney-client privilege is maintained.

- **Confidentiality:** The sessions are confidential, with a visitation officer stationed outside the confidential room to ensure security. Video and audio recording during these meetings is strictly prohibited.

## VII. Consular and Clergy Visits

Both consular officials and clergy members may visit detainees at HCDF. While consular officials are encouraged to make prior arrangements with the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer, clergy must also coordinate their visits with the Chaplain's Office.

## VIII. Security and Search Procedures

Security measures are implemented to ensure the safety and security of all individuals at the facility. This includes a thorough search of individuals and their belongings upon entry:

- **Pat-Down Search:** All individuals requesting admittance to the facility undergo a pat-down search.
- **Inspection of Belongings:** Belongings are subject to inspection.
- **Metal Scan Search:** Individuals also undergo a metal scan search.

No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted within the facility, and electronic devices, including cell phones, are prohibited in the secure areas.

## IX. Mail and Correspondence

Mail and correspondence are vital for detainees to stay connected with the outside world. To enhance the safety of the facility, all incoming mail is subject to screening for contraband, although the mail itself is not read upon opening. Indigent detainees are provided with postage allowance at government expense.

Upon departure or transfer, detainees receive their legal mail, while general correspondence is returned to the post office.

## X. Feedback and Complaints

The facility values feedback from visitors, detainees, and their representatives. If you believe that the facility has not met its commitment to quality service or if you have concerns about the conduct of staff members, there are several avenues for addressing these issues:

- **Field Office Director:** You can write to the Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations

, at 126 Northpoint Drive, Houston, TX 77060.

- **Office of Professional Responsibility:** For misconduct complaints, you can write to the Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street, SW, Suite 1049, Mailstop 5099, Washington, DC 20536-5005.

- **ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center:** You may contact the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center at 1-833-4ICE-OPR or email [email protected].

- **Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General:** For further complaints, you can reach out to the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, at 1-800-323-8603 or [email protected].

## XI. Accessibility and Accommodations

HCDF is committed to providing accommodations for individuals with special needs and does not discriminate based on disability. The facility offers a designated visitor parking area for those in need.

In conclusion, the Houston Contract Detention Facility is a vital component of the immigration detention system, providing essential services to detainees while adhering to rigorous standards. Understanding its history, operations, and various service providers is crucial for those involved with the facility. By maintaining a commitment to safety, security, and humane care, HCDF aims to fulfill its role within the immigration enforcement system.

# Additional Resources
- [ICE ERO Bond Acceptance Offices](https://www.ice.gov/ero/enforcement/bond-information)
- [National Commission on Correctional Health Care](http://www.ncchc.org/)
- [American Correctional Association](https://www.aca.org/)

# FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

**1. How often can detainees have visitors at HCDF?**
   - Visitation at HCDF follows a schedule. Males and females have different visiting hours on specific days, and the schedule alternates based on the last digit of the detainee's A# number, whether EVEN or ODD.

**2. Can detainees at HCDF receive incoming calls?**
   - No, detainees at HCDF cannot receive incoming calls. However, you can leave an urgent message for a detainee by calling a specified number and providing the detainee's details.

**3. What is the process for posting a delivery bond at HCDF?**
   - Delivery bonds for detainees can be posted at ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nationwide. They are accepted Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., local time.

**4. Are video or audio recordings allowed during attorney-client meetings at HCDF?**
   - No, video and audio recordings are strictly prohibited during attorney-client meetings, whether they are in person or virtual.

**5. How can individuals provide feedback or file a complaint about HCDF's services and staff conduct?**
   - Individuals can provide feedback or file complaints through various channels, including contacting the Field Office Director, writing to the Office of Professional Responsibility, reaching out to the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center, or contacting the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.

Phone: 713-755-5300

Physical Address:
Houston Contract Detention Facility
15850 Export Plaza Drive
Houston, TX 77032

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Houston Contract Detention Facility
15850 Export Plaza Drive
Houston, TX 77032

Other Jails and Prisons

Search Houston Contract Detention Facility Inmates

Search Houston Contract Detention Facility Inmates

How Do You Find Someone in the Houston Contract Detention Facility?

How to Find Someone in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator

When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE. 

Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.

However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.


There are two ways to search for an ICE Detainee:

You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.

  • An A-Number is a 9-digit number that either looks like this: A-123456789, or like this 123-456-789. This is required if you do not know their name.
    It is also called a Registration Number when on a visa, or a USCIS# when on a Green Card.
    If for whatever reason the A-Number you have does not have 9-digits, you need to add 0s (zeroes) to the front of the number until the number has 9-digits.

    That number might then look like this:  001234567.


You can also try and look them up by using their name.

  • In order for this to be effective, you need to have the exact name that is either on their paperwork, or the the name with the exact spelling that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • You also need to know the country of their birth, or the country of their birth that they gave ICE. This is required.
  • Knowing their Date of Birth is helpful but not required to find them in the system.


Important things to know about using the ICE Detainee Locator

  • You do not need to set up an account to use the Detainee Locator System.
  • A-Number stands for 'Alien Registration Number'.
  • The System does not have information on all detainees in custody.
  • Juvenile names are NOT in the System.
  • The Detainee Locator System is updated every 8 hours, sometimes sooner.
  • If the detainee is being moved to a new facility, the new location will not be shown until they have arrived and are processed. 
  • No warnings or prior notice are given in advance of a detainee being moved.
  • While being transferred to a different facility they may still be shown online as being in the original facility.
  • If you are planning a visit, always call before you come to confirm the detainee is still at the facility and has not been moved.
  • To visit a detainee you must have some type of government issued photo ID, or other identification when photo identification is unavailable for religious reasons.
  • If you are unable to find the detainee using the System, contact the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the area where you believe the person's immigration case was initiated or the Detainee Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 888-351-4024.

Pamphlets in various languages with Instructions on how to use the Online Detainee Locator System:

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About the Houston Contract Detention Facility

The Houston Contract Detention Facility is an ICE detention center located in Houston, Texas The facility's address is 15850 Export Plaza Drive, Houston, TX 77032 If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (281) 449-1481 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Recent news specifically about the Houston Contract Detention Facility is limited. However, it is important to note that conditions and health issues in detention facilities can vary and may be subject to ongoing investigations or changes. The Houston Contract Detention Facility is operated by the private prison company GEO Group under a contract with ICE The facility has a capacity of 1,000 detainees The facility has been the subject of criticism in the past, with reports of poor living conditions, inadequate medical care, and allegations of abuse It is important to stay informed about the current state of the facility, detainee conditions, and health issues by consulting official sources such as ICE or relevant government agencies.

Understanding the Houston Contract Detention Facility: A Detailed Insight

The Houston Contract Detention Facility (HCDF) in Houston, Texas, stands as a crucial component of the U.S. immigration detention system. Since its establishment in 1984, HCDF has played a significant role in housing detainees awaiting immigration proceedings. Operated by CoreCivic, this facility is subject to a set of standards and guidelines known as the Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) 2011 (Revised 2016), aimed at ensuring humane and safe conditions for detainees. Let's explore this detention facility in detail, from its history and operations to the various services it provides.

## I. History and Operations

HCDF was inaugurated in 1984, marking the beginning of its service to the immigration enforcement system. It has been a vital part of the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) since 1986. ERO Houston oversees the management of detainees in the facility. This establishment operates under the Performance-Based National Detention Standards (PBNDS) 2011 (Revised 2016), which sets forth guidelines for the detention and care of individuals awaiting immigration proceedings.

## II. Key Service Providers

To ensure the well-being of detainees, HCDF relies on multiple service providers. These providers play specific roles in maintaining the facility's operations:

- **Trinity Services Group:** Trinity Services Group is responsible for providing food services, ensuring detainees receive regular and nutritious meals during their stay.
- **Immigration Health Service Corps:** This organization offers medical care, addressing the healthcare needs of detainees and ensuring their overall well-being.
- **CoreCivic:** Besides the facility's operation, CoreCivic provides commissary services, which include offering various products to detainees.

## III. Accreditations and Certifications

HCDF places a strong emphasis on ensuring its operations adhere to the highest standards of care and safety. As a testament to this commitment, the facility has earned several notable accreditations and certifications:

- In February 2021, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care accredited HCDF.
- In April 2022, the American Correctional Association also accredited the facility, underscoring its dedication to meeting stringent correctional standards.
- Furthermore, HCDF underwent an audit for compliance with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) in June 2021 and earned DHS PREA Certification.

## IV. Contacting Detainees

If you need to contact a detainee housed at HCDF, the facility provides a specific contact number: (281) 449-1481. However, there are essential details you should have ready when calling:

- **Biographical Information:** This includes the detainee's first name, last name, any hyphenated names, any aliases they might use, their date of birth, and their country of birth.

It's important to note that detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you have an urgent message to convey to a detainee, you can call the provided number and leave the detainee's full name, alien registration number, and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. Rest assured that the detainee will receive your message.

## V. Visitation and Bonding

Visitation is a crucial aspect of the lives of detainees, providing them with a connection to the outside world and offering much-needed support. HCDF follows a specific visitation schedule:

- **Sundays through Wednesdays:**
  - Males: 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  - Females: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

- **Thursdays through Saturdays:**
  - Males: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  - Females: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Visitation days alternate according to the last digit of the detainee's A# number, whether EVEN or ODD. While the facility provides an opportunity for one non-contact visit per week, this duration can vary based on the number of visitors and potential security risks.

For those who may need extended visits due to long-distance travel or other unique circumstances, a Request for Information form can be submitted to the Chief of Security for approval.

Visitor guidelines are in place to maintain a safe and respectful environment. Visitors must be in appropriate attire, with some clothing items, like shorts, mini skirts, and sleeveless shirts, prohibited.

**Bonds for aliens detained by ICE** may be posted at ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nationwide, Monday through Friday (except public holidays) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., local time. Money orders, cashier's checks, or certified checks are acceptable forms of payment, with single cashier or certified checks being the only method for bonds of $10,000 and over.

## VI. Attorney Visits and Legal Services

Attorneys and paralegals play a vital role in providing legal representation to detainees. HCDF facilitates these interactions:

- **Visitation Hours:** Attorneys and/or paralegals are authorized to visit their clients seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., including holidays. On court days, they may arrive as early as 6:30 a.m.

- **Pro Bono Legal Organizations:** A list of pro bono legal organizations is posted in detainee housing units for those who may need assistance.

- **Video Teleconferencing:** Legal representatives may request Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) meetings or confidential legal phone calls. A CoreCivic staff member assists in scheduling these meetings, ensuring that attorney-client privilege is maintained.

- **Confidentiality:** The sessions are confidential, with a visitation officer stationed outside the confidential room to ensure security. Video and audio recording during these meetings is strictly prohibited.

## VII. Consular and Clergy Visits

Both consular officials and clergy members may visit detainees at HCDF. While consular officials are encouraged to make prior arrangements with the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer, clergy must also coordinate their visits with the Chaplain's Office.

## VIII. Security and Search Procedures

Security measures are implemented to ensure the safety and security of all individuals at the facility. This includes a thorough search of individuals and their belongings upon entry:

- **Pat-Down Search:** All individuals requesting admittance to the facility undergo a pat-down search.
- **Inspection of Belongings:** Belongings are subject to inspection.
- **Metal Scan Search:** Individuals also undergo a metal scan search.

No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted within the facility, and electronic devices, including cell phones, are prohibited in the secure areas.

## IX. Mail and Correspondence

Mail and correspondence are vital for detainees to stay connected with the outside world. To enhance the safety of the facility, all incoming mail is subject to screening for contraband, although the mail itself is not read upon opening. Indigent detainees are provided with postage allowance at government expense.

Upon departure or transfer, detainees receive their legal mail, while general correspondence is returned to the post office.

## X. Feedback and Complaints

The facility values feedback from visitors, detainees, and their representatives. If you believe that the facility has not met its commitment to quality service or if you have concerns about the conduct of staff members, there are several avenues for addressing these issues:

- **Field Office Director:** You can write to the Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations

, at 126 Northpoint Drive, Houston, TX 77060.

- **Office of Professional Responsibility:** For misconduct complaints, you can write to the Director, Office of Professional Responsibility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street, SW, Suite 1049, Mailstop 5099, Washington, DC 20536-5005.

- **ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center:** You may contact the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center at 1-833-4ICE-OPR or email [email protected].

- **Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General:** For further complaints, you can reach out to the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, at 1-800-323-8603 or [email protected].

## XI. Accessibility and Accommodations

HCDF is committed to providing accommodations for individuals with special needs and does not discriminate based on disability. The facility offers a designated visitor parking area for those in need.

In conclusion, the Houston Contract Detention Facility is a vital component of the immigration detention system, providing essential services to detainees while adhering to rigorous standards. Understanding its history, operations, and various service providers is crucial for those involved with the facility. By maintaining a commitment to safety, security, and humane care, HCDF aims to fulfill its role within the immigration enforcement system.

# Additional Resources
- [ICE ERO Bond Acceptance Offices](https://www.ice.gov/ero/enforcement/bond-information)
- [National Commission on Correctional Health Care](http://www.ncchc.org/)
- [American Correctional Association](https://www.aca.org/)

# FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

**1. How often can detainees have visitors at HCDF?**
   - Visitation at HCDF follows a schedule. Males and females have different visiting hours on specific days, and the schedule alternates based on the last digit of the detainee's A# number, whether EVEN or ODD.

**2. Can detainees at HCDF receive incoming calls?**
   - No, detainees at HCDF cannot receive incoming calls. However, you can leave an urgent message for a detainee by calling a specified number and providing the detainee's details.

**3. What is the process for posting a delivery bond at HCDF?**
   - Delivery bonds for detainees can be posted at ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nationwide. They are accepted Monday through Friday, excluding public holidays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., local time.

**4. Are video or audio recordings allowed during attorney-client meetings at HCDF?**
   - No, video and audio recordings are strictly prohibited during attorney-client meetings, whether they are in person or virtual.

**5. How can individuals provide feedback or file a complaint about HCDF's services and staff conduct?**
   - Individuals can provide feedback or file complaints through various channels, including contacting the Field Office Director, writing to the Office of Professional Responsibility, reaching out to the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center, or contacting the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Houston Contract Detention Facility
Understanding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

What is an ICE Detention Center?

Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.

Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.

What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?

ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.

Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:

The illegal immigrant has:

  • committed a crime, or multiple crimes
  • arrived at the border without a visa prior to formally applying for asylum or refugee status
  • an outstanding removal (deportation) order on record, either pending or past due, or
  • missed prior immigration hearing dates.

 

How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?

The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.

It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.

The information you will need is as follows:

  • the person’s full name as it appears in the ICE System. The exact spelling and the order of how the name is listed is required.
  • the person’s date of birth
  • the person’s country of birth

If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.

If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.

If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.

Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.

Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.

The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.

If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.

Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.

How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?

The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.

This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.

Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?

The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.

If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.

What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?

(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)

  • Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude (see list). This includes any attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime. It does not include crimes that were committed that the illegal immigrant committed when they were under the age of 18 years, however the person must have been released from jail more than five years before applying for a visa or other immigration benefit. It also does not include crimes for which the maximum penalty did not exceed one year in prison and the person was not, in fact, sentenced to more than six months in prison.
  • Conviction or admission of a controlled substance violation, whether under U.S. or foreign law. This includes any conspiracy to commit such a crime.
  • Convictions for two or more crimes (other than purely political ones) for which the prison sentences totaled at least five years. This multiple-offense ground of inadmissibility applies whether or not the convictions came from a single trial and whether or not the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct or involved moral turpitude.
  • Conviction of or participation in (according to the reasonable belief of the U.S. government) controlled substance trafficking. This includes anyone who knowingly aided, abetted, assisted, conspired, or colluded in illicit drug trafficking. It also includes the spouse, son, or daughter of the inadmissible applicant if that person has, within the last five years, received any financial or other benefit from the illicit activities, and knew or reasonably should have known where the money or benefit came from.
  • Having the purpose of engaging in prostitution or commercialized vice upon coming to the United States, or a history, within the previous ten years, of having engaged in prostitution.
  • Procurement or attempted procurement or importation of prostitutes, directly or indirectly, or receipt of proceeds of prostitution, any of which occurred within the previous ten years.
  • Assertion of immunity from prosecution after committing a serious criminal offense in the U.S., if the person was thus able to depart the U.S. and has not since submitted fully to the jurisdiction of the relevant U.S. Court.
  • Commission of particularly severe violations of religious freedom while serving as a foreign government official.
  • Commission of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking offenses, within or outside the U.S., or being a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with such a trafficker according to the knowledge or reasonable belief of the U.S. government. Also inadmissible are the spouse, son, or daughter the applicant if they, within the previous five years (but when older than children), received financial or other benefits from the illicit activity and knew or reasonably should have known that the money or other benefit came from the illicit activity.
  • Conviction of an aggravated felony, if the person was removed from the U.S. and seeks to return (this ground of inadmissibility lasts for 20 years)
  • Seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in money laundering, or a history of having laundered money, or having been (according to the knowledge of the U.S. government) a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with money launderers.

These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.

Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?

If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.

The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).

Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.

Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.

Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.

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This facility, known as "Houston Contract Detention Facility" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, Corrections Corporation of America.