El Valle Detention Facility (2024)

If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (956) 689-9999 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. When you call, please have the individual’s biographical information ready, including first, last and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth and country of birth.

Noncitizens cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (956) 689-9999 and leave the detainee’s full name, alien registration number and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. The detainee will be given your message.

This facility has tablets. You can access information on how to send a non-confidential message at www.gettingout.com.

Immigration Court

For information about a matter before the immigration court, you may call 1-800-898-7180 to speak with them directly. Applications for relief from removal and other applications requested by the immigration judge must be filed directly with the immigration court.

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

For information about a matter before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), you may call (703) 605-1007 where you can obtain automated information or speak with a live representative during office hours.

Legal Help

Click the link for a list of pro bono representatives nationwide who might be able to assist you.

To Post a Delivery Bond

Delivery bonds are posted when a person has been taken into ICE custody and placed into removal proceedings while in the United States. The person posting the bond must show proof of identity (valid Government-issued photo identification, passport, military ID, LPR card, driver’s license, etc.). This person (the obligor) is responsible for ensuring that the alien presents them self before an officer or representative of this agency whenever a request is made.

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. For a list of ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nearest you or for bond information, click here. You must have the last name of the detainee and alien registration number before calling. Acceptable forms of payment to post a bond are money orders, cashier’s checks or certified checks. For all bonds $10,000 and over, the only accepted method of payment is a single cashier or certified check. Payments must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” or “Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

Sending Non-Confidential Messages to Detained Noncitizens

This facility has tablets. You can access information on how to send a non-confidential message at: www.gettingout.com.

Other Legal Access Related Communications

Requests for case information pertaining to noncitizens detained at the El Valle Detention Facility be sent to Harlingen.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov. Please note that this mailbox does not accept applications for Stay of Removal or Case Appeals.

Contacting the Deportation Officer

To ascertain the identity of your client’s Deportation Officer, contact the Harlingen Field Office or Port Isabel Detention Center to obtain that information at (956) 547-1800. Please note that a G-28 must be on file for any information to be disclosed.

Submitting a G-28

G-28s filed on behalf of detained noncitizens at this facility can now be accepted through the online platform ERO eFile. Facility staff will not have access to ERO eFile at this time; legal representatives should download copies of their submitted G-28 for any in-person or remote legal visit.

Friends and Family Visits

Generally, visits should be for the maximum period practical, but no less than one hour with special consideration given to family circ*mstances and individuals who have travelled long distances. Any visits in excess of 1-hour time limit must be arranged and approved in advance by the Facility Administrator. To ensure the safety and security of all parties, all rules prohibiting restricted items will be enforced.

• To ensure adequate time to process visitors through security, all visitors must arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled visit time.
• Visitors must present a valid verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility.
• Visits shall not exceed 30 minutes.
• Minors who are visiting the facility must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older). Minors must not be left unaccompanied in the waiting room, visiting room or any other area.

Attorney Visits

Legal representatives of noncitizens are authorized to visit their clients during the following hours:

Monday - Sunday (including holidays) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

A list of pro bono (free) legal organizations will be posted in all detainee housing units and other appropriate areas. This list shall be updated quarterly. If a detainee wishes to see a representative or paralegal from that organization, it is the detainee’s responsibility to contact them for an appointment.

Video Teleconferencing (VTC) | Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV)

Legal representatives may request video teleconference (VTC) meetings or confidential legal phone calls with their clients or prospective clients by emailing EVDF.Supervisors@mtctrains.com and EVDF.Court@mtctrains.com. MTC staff will email back with a confirmed date and time. Please see the El Valle Detention Facility Virtual Attorney Visitation flyer for details.

The email should include:

• Legal representative’s full name
• Legal representative’s contact information, including phone number(s), and email address
• Detainee’s name
• Detainee’s alien number
• A few proposed times/dates for the requested VTC session
• A scan of the legal representative’s government issued identification
• A scan of the legal representative’s identification or documentation reflecting their status as an active legal representative, such as a state bar card, attorney license, paralegal license, or similar legal status.
• A scan of the attorney’s DHS Form G-28 (unless this is a pre-representational)
• If a legal assistant is the only legal representative to join the call, the email should also attach a letter of authorization on the firm’s/organization’s letterhead and a scan of the assistant’s identification.

Legal representatives may also schedule VTC meetings or calls by dialing (956) 689-9999 to schedule a virtual legal visit.

All appointments for VTC meetings or phone calls should be made 24 hours prior to the desired appointment time. Appointments are scheduled 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and are in 30 to 60-minute increments. Legal representatives are not limited on the number of VTC appointments they can request, but no legal representative is permitted more than one 60-minute appointment with a detainee in a single day.

The same guidelines for in-person attorney/client visits will apply to VTC meetings and legal calls. Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters will be allowed; no family or friends of the clients are permitted. The attorney and/or his/her agents may contact outside interpretation services during the call or session. The sessions will be confidential; a visitation officer will be stationed outside of the confidential room to ensure security by standing out of earshot but within eyeshot. The officer will knock 5 minutes before the cut off time.

El Valle Detention Facility utilizes Socrates 360 to facilitate virtual legal visits and the electronic exchange of legal documents (to include the capability to sign documents). Please refer to the Socrates 360 user guide for Legal Representatives for more information on the processes for conducting virtual legal visits and exchanging legal documents electronically.

Consular Visits

Consular officials may meet with their detained nationals at any time. It is requested that prior arrangements be made with the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer to the extent possible, and that consular officials bring appropriate credentials when they come to the facility. The ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer in charge of the facility can be reached at (956) 547-1700.

Clergy Visits

Clergy may visit noncitizens at any time, but must make prior arrangements with the Chaplain’s Office at (956) 689-9999 ext 457.

Visiting Restrictions

• All family or other social visits are non-contact.
• No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted in the facility.
• If visitors are or appear to be intoxicated, visitation will not be allowed.
• All visitors are subject to search while in the facility.
• Visitors are not allowed to pass or attempt to pass any items to noncitizens.
• Visitors are not allowed to carry any items into the visitation area.

Visitor Dress Code

Female Visitors Age 12 and Older

• Shorts will cover customarily covered areas of the anatomy, including the buttocks and crotch area, both when standing and sitting complies. Shorts no higher than mid-thigh. Short shorts, jogging shorts, cut-offs, and other obviously inappropriate short garments are prohibited.
• Skirts and dresses are allowed, but no shorter than mid-thigh when seated.
• Slits in skirts and dresses will not extend beyond mid-thigh when seated.
• Sheer (see-through) clothing is prohibited.
• Top of clothing will be no lower than the underarm in the front and back. Bare midriffs, halter-tops, strapless tops, tube tops, or swimsuits are prohibited.
• Shoes will be worn at all times by all persons except infants.
• Gang “colors” and other gang displays are prohibited.

Male Visitors Age 12 and Older

• Shorts will cover customarily covered areas of the anatomy, including the buttocks and crotch area, both when standing and sitting. Shorts no higher than mid-thigh complies. Short shorts, jogging shorts, cut-offs, and other obviously inappropriate short garments are prohibited.
• Shirts will be worn at all times. Muscle shirts, bare midriff shirts and sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
• Shoes will be worn at all times by all persons except infants.
• Gang “colors” and other gang displays are prohibited.

Search Procedures (prior to or during all visitations)

All individuals requesting admittance to the facility or the visitation area are subject to a pat-down search of their person, an inspection of their belongings, and a metal scan search. Individuals refusing to cooperate with a reasonable search will not be admitted. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios, etc.) are permitted in the secure areas of this facility.

Letters sent to noncitizens must include the detainee’s A-number (File Number), plus the sender’s name and address. To enhance the safety of the facility, all incoming mail is subject to screening for contraband. The mail is not read upon opening, only inspected by the delivering officer. Noncitizens may send mail from the facility. Noncitizens may seal their outgoing letters and place them in the provided receptacle. All incoming mail will be delivered to the detainee, and outgoing mail will be routed to the proper postal office within 24 hours of receipt by facility staff. A mail pick-up and delivery schedule is posted in all housing units.

Noncitizens are allowed to purchase stamps for use. Generally, there is no limit to the amount of correspondence noncitizens may send at their own expense. Indigent noncitizens (those who have no means of financial support and no funds in their facility account) will be provided postage allowance at government expense.

When noncitizens depart the facility or are transferred to another facility, only their legal mail will be forwarded to them. General correspondence will be endorsed "Return to Sender" and returned to the post office.

Sending Money

If noncitizens receive funds in the mail, they will be taken to the processing area for the money to be placed into their account. The processing officer will provide a receipt for all funds received. Noncitizens are cautioned not to have cash sent to them in the mail.

Sending Packages

A detainee may receive items that are determined to be of necessity for the sole purpose of travel or release from agency custody with approval of the ICE Deportation Officer. Before sending packages to noncitizens, contact the Mailroom at the facility at:

1800 Industrial Drive
Raymondville, TX 78580
(956) 689-9999 ext. 426
Valerie.Munoz@mtctrains.com

Note that noncitizens being removed from the United States are allowed one small piece of luggage. If a detainee does not have such baggage, such luggage can be sent/delivered after receiving approval from Supervisory Deportation Officer. Please be advised that for security reasons, no electronic devices (cell phones, electric razors, laptop computers, radios, etc.) will be accepted.

The facility has a responsibility to protect the privacy and other rights of noncitizens and members of the staff. Therefore, interviews will be regulated to ensure the orderly and safe operation of the facility. Ordinarily, live television or radio interviews will not be permitted in the facility. For media inquiries about ICE activities, operations, or policies, contact the ICE Office of Public Affairs at ICEMedia@ice.dhs.gov.

Personal Interviews

A news media representative who desires to conduct an interview with a detainee must apply in writing to the San Antonio Field Office, Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, indicating familiarity with and agreement to comply with the rules and regulations of the facility as provided to that person by staff.

Detainee Consent

A detainee has the right not to be interviewed, photographed, or recorded by the media. Before interviewing, photographing, or recording the voice of a detainee, a visiting representative of the media must obtain written permission from that individual.

All FOIA and Privacy Act requests must be submitted on form G-639 (Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Request) or in letter format. All requests must contain the original, notarized signature of the subject in question. Please complete the form G-639 thoroughly and if writing a letter, be sure to include the full name, any other names used, date of birth, place of birth, A-number of the alien you are seeking information about, as well as your full name, address, and telephone number, so that we may contact you if we have any questions.

Mail your FOIA or Privacy Act request to:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Freedom of Information Act Office
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Room 585
Washington, D.C. 20536
Phone – 1-866-633-1182
Email – ICE-FOIA@dhs.gov

We strive to provide quality service to people in our custody, their family, friends, and to their official representatives. If you believe that we have not lived up to this commitment, we would like to know. If we have met or exceeded your expectations, please let us know that as well. To comment on the services provided at this office, please write to:

Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
1717 Zoy Street
Harlingen, TX 78552

If you feel that an ICE employee or contract services employee mistreated you and wish to make a complaint of misconduct, you may:

Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
1717 Zoy Street
Harlingen, TX 78552

Write the Office of Professional Responsibility:

Director, Office of Professional Responsibility
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
500 12th Street, SW
Suite 1049
Mailstop 5099
Washington, DC 20536-5005

Contact the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center (ICC):

1-833-4ICE-OPR
ICEOPRIntake@ice.dhs.gov

You may also contact the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General:

DHS Office of Inspector General
Attn: Office of Investigations - Hotline
245 Murray Drive, Building 410 Stop: 2600
Washington, DC 20528
Call: 1-800-323-8603
Fax: 202-254-4292
DHSOIGHOTLINE@DHS.GOV