- Contacting a Detainee
- Legal & Case Information
- Hours of Visitation
- Sending Items to Detainees
- Press & Media
- FOIA
- Feedback or Complaints
If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (956) 948-5193 between the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m. When you call, please have the alien’s biographical information ready, including first, last and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth and country of birth.
Detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (956) 948-5193 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.
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.
Nationwide pro bono representatives listing →
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.
Submitting a G-28
G-28s filed on behalf of detained aliens 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.
Sending Non-Confidential Messages to Detained Aliens
This facility has tablets. You can access information on how to send a non-confidential message at TouchPay Online.
Other Legal Access Related Communications
Requests for case information pertaining to aliens detained at La Salle County Regional Detention Center can be sent to SanAntonio.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 La Salle County Regional Detention Center to obtain that information at (210) 231-4505. Please note that a G-28 must be on file for any information to be disclosed.
Friends and Family Visits
Visitation Hours for ICE detainees (Males & Females)
Saturday and Sunday
30 minutes per visit per detainees
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please call (956) 948-5193 to schedule visits with a detainee.
- All Adult visitors must have a valid picture ID and must be on the detainee visitation list.
- Children 16 years of age or older will require identification and are expected to remain under the direct supervision of an adult.
- Visitor possessions are limited to a valid picture ID and keys to their vehicle. Visitors with infants are authorized: 1 bottle; 1 diaper; and 1 small blanket.
- Adults are to supervise their children and will be held responsible for their actions.
- All your visitors and any handheld item(s) are subject to a search, any refusals of searches will not be permitted to visit. Visitor vehicles entering, parked, or leaving facility grounds are subject to be searched.
The following items of clothing are not acceptable while in the visitation area:
Female Clothing not allowed:
- Shorts regardless of length (Children under 10 years may wear shorts.)
- Halter tops; Bare midriffs; Strapless tops; Tube tops; Swimsuits; Sleeveless tops
- Mini-skirts or short dresses
- See-through clothing (clothing which is questionable will be approved or denied at the discretion of the duty supervisor).
- No headgear will be permitted.
- No open toe shoes (shoes must be worn at all times)
- Gang “colors” and/or other gang displays are prohibited
- The top of clothing shall be no lower than the underarm in the front and back.
Male Clothing not allowed:
- Shorts regardless of length (Children under 10 years may wear shorts)
- Muscle shirts; Bare midriff shirts; Sleeveless shirts (Shirts must always be worn)
- No open toe shoes (Shoes must always be worn)
- Gang “colors” and/or other gang displays are prohibited
Visitation may be denied or terminated under the following circumstances.
(You will be notified in writing in the event your visit was denied)
- The visitor(s) appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- The visitor fails to produce sufficient identification or falsifies the identifying information.
- Reasonable suspicion exists that the visitor may endanger the security and order of the facility.
- Unforeseen emergencies within the facility.
- The visitor is in violation of facility rules or regulations.
- Inappropriate contact or conduct by either a detainee or visitor.
- Visitor attempts to bring any item that is considered a threat to the safety and security of the facility.
- The visitor refuses to submit to a scanning or pat search.
Attorney Visits
Legal calls can be scheduled by contacting the main office at (956) 948-5193. Accommodations will be made for any available time slots.
Please call (956) 948-5193 or email at remands.lscdc@co.la-salle.tx.us to schedule visits with a detainee.
- Legal representatives or paralegals may visit /detainees between the hours 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. established by the facility, seven (7) days a week.
- Legal representatives or paralegals must provide credentials: a photo Driver License and Bar Card.
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.
Legal Calls or Video Teleconferencing
Legal calls can be scheduled by contacting the main office at (956) 948-5193. Accommodations will be made for any available time slots.
Legal representatives may request video teleconference (VTC) meetings or confidential legal phone calls with their clients or prospective clients by email at: remands.lscdc@co.la-salle.tx.us. The La Salle County Regional Detention Center court officers will email back with a confirmed date and time.
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) 948-5193 for the court room officer responsible for scheduling.
All appointments for VTC meetings or phone calls should be made 24 hours prior to the desired appointment time. Appointments are scheduled 6 a.m. – 9 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.
Please be advised that legal representatives and their staff are not permitted to video or audio record during any virtual or in-person visit or any call with aliens at the facility. Any violation of these rules may result in suspension or a permanent revocation of VAV user privileges.
Electronic Exchange of Legal Documentation
When timely communication through the mail is not possible, the facility administrator may, in his discretion, allow for a reasonable amount of electronic written communication by means between the detained alien and their designated legal representative.
Faxes/Emails Sent by Legal Representatives to the Attention of Detained Aliens
Legal representatives can send legal correspondence to 213LOP@geogroup.com or SanAntonio.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov. Legal Representatives should make clear in the subject line that it is legal correspondence/mail and include as an attachment the specific documents/forms that the legal representative wants the facility to deliver to the detained alien. Within the email the legal representative should include the following information and a cover sheet for the attachment that includes the:
- Alien full name
- A-Number
- Sender’s return fax number
- Total number of pages sent
- Notate the correspondence is “Legal Mail”
The documents will be inspected for contraband, but not read. The legal mail will be delivered to the detainee. All legal electronic communication requests will be processed during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST, excluding holidays.
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 for this facility can be reached at (956) 948-5193.
Clergy Visits
Clergy may visit detainees at any time but must make prior arrangements with the Chaplain’s Office.
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 detainees.
- Visitors are not allowed to carry any items into the visitation area.
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.
Before sending packages to detainees:
Letters mailed to inmates must contain the detainee’s full name as part of the address. The jail will not accept certain items through the mail. Restricted items include packages, obscene or pornographic materials, personal checks, cashier’s check, postage stamps or stamped envelopes, any type of food, or periodicals not directly sent from the publisher.
Mail should be addressed in the following manner:
Detainee Name
P.O. Box 540
Encinal, Texas 78019
Letters sent to detainees must include the last four digits of 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. Detainees may send mail from the facility. Detainees 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.
Detainees are allowed to purchase stamps for use. Generally, there is no limit to the amount of correspondence detainees may send at their own expense. Indigent detainees (those who have no means of financial support and no funds in their facility account) will be provided postage allowance at government expense.
When detainees 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.
Money is not to be given directly to the detainee. Money can be placed on the detainee's account by calling Touch Pay Online at 1-866-204-1603, or via their website or via United States Postal Service, La Salle County Regional Detention Center, P.O. Box 540, Encinal, Texas 78019 and reference detainee name on money order.
If detainees 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. Detainees are cautioned not to have cash sent to them in the mail.
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 detainees: Detainees must submit a request to the Warden for approval.
Note that detainees 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 detainees 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
1777 NE Loop 410, Suite 1500
San Antonio, TX 78217
If you feel that an ICE employee or contract services employee mistreated you and wish to make a complaint of misconduct, you may:
Contact the Field Office Director at:
Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
1777 NE Loop 410, Suite 1500
San Antonio, TX 78217
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