Communicating with Someone in ICE Detention

Stay Connected

Communication is critical for emotional support and case coordination. Set up accounts as soon as you locate your loved one.

Phone Calls

How Detention Phone Systems Work

Most ICE detention facilities use contracted phone services. Calls are typically:

Collect calls - You pay to receive
Prepaid calls - You fund an account in advance
Debit calls - Detainee pays from commissary account

Major Phone Providers

Provider	Website	Phone
Securus	securustech.net	1-800-844-6591
GTL (GettingOut)	gettingout.com	1-855-466-2478
ICSolutions	icsolutions.com	1-888-506-8407
Talton	talton.com	1-866-516-0115

Setting Up Your Account

Step 1: Identify the provider

Ask your loved one which service the facility uses
Check facility website
Call the facility directly

Step 2: Register your phone number

Visit the provider's website
Create an account with your phone number
Verify your identity (may require ID upload)
Add funds to your account

Step 3: Accept calls

Ensure your phone accepts collect calls
Some cell carriers block collect calls by default
You may need to call your carrier to enable them

Phone Call Costs

Type	Typical Cost
Per minute	$0.21 - $1.00+
Connection fee	$0.00 - $3.00
Account funding fee	$3.00 - $6.95
Minimum deposit	$10 - $25

Tips to reduce costs:

Fund accounts online (lower fees than phone)
Choose larger deposits (lower per-transaction fees)
Use prepaid instead of collect when possible
Check for advocacy-funded phone programs

Call Limitations

Be aware of these common restrictions:

Time limits: 15-30 minutes per call
Daily limits: Some facilities limit calls per day
Monitoring: All calls (except attorney) are recorded
Blocked numbers: Some numbers may be restricted
Hours: Calling may be limited to certain hours

Free Calls

Detainees have the right to free calls to:

Immigration court (EOIR)
Consulates and embassies
DHS OIG hotline (1-800-323-8603)
Legal service providers (on facility list)
Freedom for Immigrants (9233#)

Video Visits

How Video Visits Work

Many facilities offer video visitation through tablets or kiosks:

Scheduled visits: Book in advance through provider website
Remote visits: From your home computer or phone
On-site visits: At facility video kiosks

Video Visit Providers

Provider	Website
GTL (GettingOut)	gettingout.com
Securus Video Connect	securustech.net
JPay	jpay.com
HomeWAV	homewav.com

Setting Up Video Visits

Create account on provider website
Add your loved one using their facility and ID number
Get approved (may take 24-72 hours)
Schedule visit through online calendar
Test equipment before scheduled time

Video Visit Costs

Type	Typical Cost
Per visit (20-30 min)	$5.00 - $12.00
Remote visit	$8.00 - $15.00
On-site kiosk	Sometimes free

Technical Requirements

For remote video visits:

[ ] Computer, tablet, or smartphone
[ ] Webcam and microphone
[ ] Stable internet connection
[ ] Quiet, well-lit room
[ ] Plain background (no inappropriate images)

Video Visit Rules

Dress appropriately (no revealing clothing)
Be in a private location (no public places)
Only approved visitors on camera
No recording of video visits
Arrive early (visits start on time)
Follow facility rules or visit may be terminated

In-Person Visits

Finding Visit Information

Contact the facility to learn:

Visiting hours (days and times)
Registration requirements (advance booking)
ID requirements (what to bring)
Dress code (what's prohibited)
Items allowed (money for vending, etc.)

Visitor Approval

Most facilities require visitor approval:

Submit visitor application (form from facility)
Background check (may take 1-2 weeks)
Receive approval before visiting
Bring valid ID to each visit

What to Bring

Required	Prohibited
Valid government ID	Cell phones
Vehicle registration (sometimes)	Cameras
Approved visitor documentation	Weapons
Small amount of cash (for vending)	Outside food
	Large bags

Visit Tips

Arrive early - Check-in takes time
Dress modestly - No revealing clothing
Leave valuables in car or at home
Bring patience - Waits can be long
Know the rules - Violations end visits

Mail

Sending Mail

All mail to detained individuals is inspected. Follow these guidelines:

Address format:

[Full Legal Name]
[A-Number: A-XXXXXXXXX]
[Facility Name]
[Facility Address]
[City, State ZIP]

What's allowed:

[ ] Letters (handwritten or typed)
[ ] Photos (no Polaroids, no inappropriate content)
[ ] Drawings from children
[ ] Newspaper/magazine clippings
[ ] Money orders (for commissary)

What's prohibited:

[ ] Stickers or labels
[ ] Glitter or confetti
[ ] Crayon or marker (some facilities)
[ ] Hardcover books (send through approved vendors)
[ ] Packages (unless approved)
[ ] Cash (send money orders only)

Legal Mail

Attorney mail receives special handling:

Opened in detainee's presence
Not read by staff
Must be clearly marked "LEGAL MAIL"
Include attorney letterhead and bar number

Receiving Mail

Your loved one can send mail from detention:

Postage: From commissary funds
Frequency: Varies by facility
Inspection: Outgoing mail may be read
Time: Allow 1-2 weeks for delivery

Email and Messaging

Electronic Messaging Services

Some facilities offer email-like messaging:

Provider	Website	Service
JPay	jpay.com	Email + photos
GTL GettingOut	gettingout.com	Messages
Securus	securustech.net	eMessaging
ConnectNetwork	connectnetwork.com	Messages

How Messaging Works

Create account with provider
Add funds (messages cost money)
Compose message through website or app
Attach photos (additional cost)
Message delivered to tablet or kiosk

Messaging Costs

Type	Typical Cost
Text message	$0.25 - $0.50
Photo attachment	$0.25 - $0.50 each
Video message	$0.50 - $1.00

Messaging Tips

Keep messages positive - All are monitored
Avoid legal discussions - Use attorney calls instead
Send photos - Children's artwork, family events
Write regularly - Consistent contact helps morale

Sending Money

Commissary Accounts

Commissary money allows your loved one to buy:

Phone credits
Snacks and drinks
Hygiene items
Writing materials
Over-the-counter medications

How to Send Money

Method	Provider	Fees
Online	Facility provider website	$3-6
Phone	Provider phone line	$5-8
Money order	Via mail	$1-2 (plus postage)
Lobby kiosk	At facility	$3-5

Money Transfer Providers

Provider	Website
JPay	jpay.com
GTL	gettingout.com
Access Corrections	accesscorrections.com
TouchPay	touchpaydirect.com

Tips for Sending Money

Verify facility uses that provider before sending
Keep receipts for all deposits
Check balance regularly
Send smaller amounts more frequently (reduces loss if transferred)
Know limits - Some facilities cap account balances

Attorney Communication

Privileged Communication

Attorney-client communication is protected:

Phone calls: Not monitored or recorded
Visits: Private meeting rooms
Mail: Opened in detainee's presence only
Email: May not be available

Setting Up Attorney Access

Attorneys should:

File Notice of Appearance (Form EOIR-28)
Register with facility for visitation
Get on legal call list for unmonitored calls
Provide contact information to detained client

If Attorney Access Is Denied

This is a serious rights violation. Document and report:

Record details of denial (date, time, who denied)
Contact facility supervisor
File formal grievance
Report to DHS OIG: 1-800-323-8603
Contact advocacy organizations

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Problem	Solution
Can't receive calls	Check if carrier blocks collect calls
Account not working	Verify phone number is registered correctly
Video visit denied	Check if background check is complete
Mail returned	Verify address format and facility rules
Can't find on provider site	Person may have been transferred

If Contact Is Lost

If you suddenly can't reach your loved one:

Check ICE Locator - May have been transferred
Call the facility - Ask about status
Contact attorney - They may have information
Call ICE ERO: 1-888-351-4024
Check court records - Hearing may have occurred

Transfer Tracking Guide

Quick Reference

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│       COMMUNICATION QUICK GUIDE             │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│  PHONE PROVIDERS:                           │
│  • Securus: 1-800-844-6591                  │
│  • GTL: 1-855-466-2478                      │
│  • ICSolutions: 1-888-506-8407              │
│                                             │
│  SET UP ACCOUNT:                            │
│  1. Find out which provider facility uses   │
│  2. Create account on their website         │
│  3. Add funds                               │
│  4. Register your phone number              │
│                                             │
│  SEND MONEY:                                │
│  • Online through provider website          │
│  • Money order by mail                      │
│  • Keep all receipts                        │
│                                             │
│  MAIL ADDRESS FORMAT:                       │
│  [Name]                                     │
│  [A-Number]                                 │
│  [Facility Name & Address]                  │
│                                             │
│  IF CONTACT LOST:                           │
│  Check ICE Locator: locator.ice.gov         │
│  Call: 1-888-351-4024                       │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘