What is a private prison?

A private prison is a correctional facility owned and operated by a private corporation under a contract with federal, state, or local governments. These facilities house inmates in exchange for a per-inmate daily fee, which the government pays to the company. Private prisons handle security, food, medical care, and rehabilitation programs, but their goal is to operate profitably, which has led to controversy over cost-cutting measures that may affect inmate welfare.

How do private prisons differ from public prisons?

Unlike state or federal prisons, which are directly operated by government agencies, private prisons function as for-profit businesses. While they must follow contracted guidelines, they often have different staffing policies, fewer rehabilitation programs, and more cost-cutting measures to increase profitability. Public prisons are held directly accountable to taxpayers and elected officials, whereas private prisons are accountable to shareholders and company executives.

Who owns private prisons?

The two largest private prison companies in the U.S. are: CoreCivic (formerly Corrections Corporation of America - CCA) The GEO Group These companies manage numerous facilities nationwide, contracting with state correctional departments, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some smaller companies, such as Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and LaSalle Corrections, also operate private correctional facilities.

Do private prisons have different security levels?

Yes, private prisons operate minimum, medium, and maximum-security facilities, though they primarily house low to medium-security inmates due to contractual limitations. Inmates with violent criminal histories or severe disciplinary problems are often transferred to government-run facilities because private prisons lack the infrastructure and staffing for high-risk populations.

Are private prisons more dangerous than public prisons?

Multiple studies have shown that private prisons experience higher rates of violence, inmate assaults, and staff turnover than government-run facilities. Cost-cutting measures in staffing and training lead to: Fewer correctional officers per inmate Lower wages lead to high turnover and inexperienced staff Reduced medical care access, contributing to untreated illnesses and mental health crises However, some private facilities claim to have lower incident rates due to strict behavioral screening of inmates before placement.

Why do governments use private prisons?

Governments contract with private prisons to reduce overcrowding, lower operational costs, and provide flexibility in managing inmate populations. When state or federal prisons reach capacity, private prisons act as overflow facilities, housing inmates until space becomes available in public institutions. Some states rely heavily on private prisons due to budget constraints and lack of funding to build new government-run facilities.

Which states use private prisons?

As of recent reports, the states with the largest private prison populations include: Texas (over 12,000 inmates) Florida (over 10,000 inmates) Arizona (about 8,000 inmates) Georgia (over 7,000 inmates) Some states, including California, Illinois, and New York, have banned private prisons for housing state inmates but still allow federal contracts for immigration detainees.

How are private prisons funded?

Private prisons generate revenue through contracts with government agencies, which pay a fixed daily rate per inmate housed. Additional revenue streams include: Inmate phone services (provided by companies like GTL and Securus, with high per-minute rates) Commissary sales (charging premium prices for snacks, hygiene products, and personal items) Inmate work programs (where inmates are paid as little as $0.12 per hour for labor) Medical co-pays (some facilities charge inmates for non-emergency medical visits)

Do private prisons save taxpayers money?

Supporters argue that private prisons reduce costs through lower staff wages, fewer pension benefits, and operational efficiencies. However, critics claim these cost savings come at the expense of safety, rehabilitation, and inmate care. Reports indicate that private prisons cut corners on healthcare, food quality, and staffing, which may increase long-term costs due to higher recidivism rates and legal challenges.

Can private prison inmates make phone calls?

Yes, inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid phone services such as GTL (ViaPath), Securus, NCIC, Paytel, and IC Solutions. Calls are monitored and recorded, and rates vary by state. Some facilities offer video visitation services, but these are often costly for families.

How do families send money to inmates in private prisons?

Funds can be deposited through JPay, Western Union, MoneyGram, or facility-approved JailATM kiosks. Private prisons often outsource financial transactions to third-party companies that charge higher fees than public institutions.

Do private prisons offer education and rehabilitation programs?

Programs vary by contract, but many private prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. However, these programs are often underfunded, and inmate participation may be limited due to facility staffing shortages.

Do private prisons house federal inmates?

Yes, private companies contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house federal and immigration detainees. However, in 2021, the Biden administration ordered the DOJ to phase out private prison contracts for BOP inmates, reducing their role in federal incarceration.

What happens if a private prison contract is terminated?

If a state or federal agency ends a contract, inmates are transferred to public facilities or another private facility. Some private prisons are repurposed for detention centers, mental health facilities, or immigration housing.

Are private prisons subject to the same oversight as public prisons?

Private prisons must comply with state and federal laws, but they are not subject to the same transparency requirements as public facilities. Some states audit private prisons to ensure compliance, while others allow more operational secrecy due to corporate protection.

Can inmates transfer from private to public prisons?

Transfers depend on contract terms, inmate classification, and bed availability. Some inmates are transferred if security risks arise, while others remain in private facilities until their sentence is completed.

Do private prisons have higher recidivism rates?

Studies suggest that private prisons have higher recidivism rates due to fewer rehabilitation programs, lack of mental health support, and profit-driven incentives to keep beds full.

Why are private prisons controversial?

Critics argue that private prisons prioritize profit over inmate welfare, leading to:

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Adelanto (ICE) Processing Center

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Adelanto (ICE) Processing Center

Private Facility

Last Updated: May 08, 2026

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Address

10250 Rancho Rd, Adelanto, CA 92301

Beds

1940

County

San Bernardino

Phone

760-561-6100

View Official Website

Adelanto Processing is for Private Facility offenders have not been sentenced yet and are detained here until their case is heard.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for Medium facility.

The phone carrier is Talton Communications, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules

Satellite View of Adelanto (ICE) Processing Center

Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

Desert View Annex (ICE) - GEO 0.0 mi
San Bernardino County-High Desert Detention Center 0.0 mi
Adelanto Community Correctional Facility 0.0 mi
USP Victorville 10.1 mi
FCI Victorville Medium I 10.9 mi

If your loved one is at Adelanto Processing, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 760-561-6100 with any immediate questions.

Located in Adelanto, CA, Adelanto Processing operates as a private contractor with various government agency agreements providing state-minimum custody requirements. Programs are offered to all custody levels, including work release residents focused on reentry success. With a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, Adelanto Processing provides comprehensive educational and vocational opportunities. Onsite amenities include dietary, health, fitness, educational, religious, and recreational services. Regular inspections ensure compliance with government standards, ensuring the facility's continued operation.

The Adelanto ICE Processing Center in Adelanto, California, is one of the largest immigration detention facilities in the United States and serves as a major detention hub for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Operated by GEO Group under direct contract with ICE, the facility houses adult ICE detainees awaiting immigration hearings, asylum proceedings, deportation actions, or transfer within the federal detention system. Located in San Bernardino County in the Mojave Desert region of Southern California, the detention center has an operational capacity of approximately 1,940 detainee beds. The facility is currently overseen by Warden Thomas P. Giles, who manages operations alongside GEO personnel and ICE supervisory staff.

Originally developed as a state correctional facility before transitioning into immigration detention operations, Adelanto has grown into ICE’s largest detention center in California. The facility contains secure housing units, medical and mental health clinics, intake and classification areas, legal visitation rooms, family visitation spaces, immigration courtrooms, recreation yards, dining facilities, transportation staging sections, and administrative offices supporting around-the-clock detention operations. GEO personnel oversee detainee supervision, healthcare coordination, food services, transportation logistics, intake processing, and facility security under ICE detention standards established by DHS. Because of its proximity to Los Angeles and Southern California’s large immigrant population, the facility processes detainees arrested throughout California and neighboring western states.

ICE Detainee Information

This facility holds immigration detainees under an active contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in addition to its regular population. ICE detainees are civil immigration detainees, not criminal defendants, and are held while their immigration cases are processed. The rules, rights, and services that apply to ICE detainees differ from those that apply to the general jail population.

To locate an ICE detainee at this facility, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator at locator.ice.gov. You will need the detainee's A-Number, a nine-digit Alien Registration Number that appears on any immigration document they have received. If the A-Number has fewer than nine digits, add zeros at the beginning. If you do not have the A-Number, you can search using the detainee's full legal name, country of birth, and date of birth. Names must be an exact match; try variations if the first search returns no results.

Immigration bond works differently from criminal bail. Not all detainees are eligible for bond; those with certain criminal convictions or prior deportation orders may be subject to mandatory detention. For those who are eligible, bond is set by an immigration judge and typically ranges from $1,500 to over $10,000. Bond must be paid in full before release. An immigration attorney can request a bond hearing and argue for a lower amount based on the detainee's circumstances.

Unlike criminal defendants, ICE detainees do not have the right to a government-appointed attorney. They must hire a private immigration attorney or find free legal help through a nonprofit organization. RAICES provides legal services and bond assistance at raicestexas.org. The National Immigrant Justice Center offers free legal representation at immigrantjustice.org. Many immigration courts also maintain a list of free and low-cost legal service providers available to detainees upon request.

ICE transfers detainees between facilities frequently and with little advance notice, sometimes to locations far from family and legal counsel. If you cannot locate your family member through this page, search the ICE Online Detainee Locator again at locator.ice.gov with their A-Number. If they have an attorney, notify the attorney immediately as transfers affect court appearances and case timelines.

The Adelanto ICE Processing Center has also become one of the most controversial immigration detention facilities in the country due to repeated allegations involving detainee healthcare, solitary confinement practices, sanitation concerns, and detainee deaths. Immigration advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, California officials, and detainee attorneys have repeatedly challenged conditions at the facility through lawsuits, protests, and federal court actions. In 2026 alone, multiple deaths and a major federal class-action lawsuit intensified scrutiny surrounding operations inside the detention center. Despite ongoing political and legal battles over private immigration detention in California, Adelanto remains one of the federal government’s most significant ICE detention facilities and continues housing thousands of immigration detainees annually under DHS authority.

Table of Contents for Adelanto Processing

Inmate Locator

To utilize the Inmate Search page on InmateAid, begin by selecting the relevant prison facility in California. This allows you to view the current list of inmates housed at Adelanto (ICE) Processing Center.

The second section features the InmateAid Inmate Search tool, providing a user-generated database of inmates. You can access this resource to utilize any of InmateAid's services. If you require assistance in creating an inmate profile to maintain communication, please get in touch with us at aid@inmateaid.com, and we'll gladly help you locate your loved one.

For the fastest and most comprehensive inmate search, use the Arrest Record Search tool. Records are updated frequently and include booking data, charges, and current custody status across thousands of facilities nationwide.

Visitation Information

Visitation Information - Adelanto ICE Processing Center

Visiting hours at Adelanto vary by housing unit. Detainees are permitted up to three visitors per visit, a maximum of one visit per day, and three visits per week. All visits are limited to one hour unless the Facility Administrator grants prior approval. Visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled visit time and no later than 6:30 p.m. to be guaranteed entry.

All visitors must present a U.S. government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult guardian 18 or older and may not be left unaccompanied in any area of the facility. Infants held in adult arms do not count toward the three-visitor limit.

West Area Visitation Schedule

Unit Contact/Non-Contact Days and Hours W1A Non-Contact / Contact Mon 8-11a, Wed 12:15-6:15p (Contact), Fri 2-5p, Sun 8-11a W1B Disciplinary Non-Contact Mon 4-6p, Sat 1:15-3:15p W1B Administrative Contact / Non-Contact Wed 10a-12p (Contact), Sat 3:30-5:30p W2 Contact Tue 8a-1p, Fri 1:15-6:15p, Sun 8a-1p W3 Contact Mon 8a-1p, Thu 1:15-6:15p, Sat 8a-1p W4 Contact Tue 1:15-6:15p, Fri 8a-1p, Sun 1:15-6:15p W5 Contact Mon 1:15-6:15p, Thu 8a-1p, Sat 1:15-6:15p

East Area Visitation Schedule

Unit Days and Hours E1A Tue 8-11a, Fri 11:30a-2:30p, Sun 3-6p E1B/E1C Tue 11:30a-2:30p, Fri 3-6p, Sun 8-11a and 11:30a-2:30p E1D Tue 3-6p, Fri 8-11a East SMU Disciplinary Tue 12-2p (Non-Contact), Sun 8-10a (Non-Contact) East SMU Administrative Thu 8a-12p, Sun 2-4p (Non-Contact) E2A Mon 8-11a, Wed 11:30a-2:30p, Sat 3-6p E2B Mon 11:30a-2:30p, Wed 3-6p, Sat 8-11a E2C Mon 3-6p, Wed 8-11a, Sat 11:30a-2:30p

Attorney Visits

Attorneys may visit clients in person 24 hours a day. Virtual legal visits and confidential legal calls can be scheduled through ERO eFile during the hours of 8-10a or 12-5p Monday through Friday. Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and up to two weeks out on a first-come basis. Attorneys should call 760-561-6208 if additional scheduling assistance is needed.

Visiting Rules

No firearms, weapons, or electronic devices including cell phones are permitted. All visitors are subject to pat-down search and metal scan before entry. Visitors appearing intoxicated will not be admitted. No items may be passed to or from detainees. All family and social visits are contact visits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adelanto (ICE) Processing Center

What is a private prison?
A private prison is a correctional facility owned and operated by a private corporation under a contract with federal, state, or local governments. These facilities house inmates in exchange for a per-inmate daily fee, which the government pays to the company. Private prisons handle security, food, medical care, and rehabilitation programs, but their goal is to operate profitably, which has led to controversy over cost-cutting measures that may affect inmate welfare.
How do private prisons differ from public prisons?
Unlike state or federal prisons, which are directly operated by government agencies, private prisons function as for-profit businesses. While they must follow contracted guidelines, they often have different staffing policies, fewer rehabilitation programs, and more cost-cutting measures to increase profitability. Public prisons are held directly accountable to taxpayers and elected officials, whereas private prisons are accountable to shareholders and company executives.
Who owns private prisons?
The two largest private prison companies in the U.S. are:
- CoreCivic (formerly Corrections Corporation of America - CCA)
- The GEO Group
  These companies manage numerous facilities nationwide, contracting with state correctional departments, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Some smaller companies, such as Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and LaSalle Corrections, also operate private correctional facilities.
Do private prisons have different security levels?
Yes, private prisons operate minimum, medium, and maximum-security facilities, though they primarily house low to medium-security inmates due to contractual limitations. Inmates with violent criminal histories or severe disciplinary problems are often transferred to government-run facilities because private prisons lack the infrastructure and staffing for high-risk populations.
Are private prisons more dangerous than public prisons?
Multiple studies have shown that private prisons experience higher rates of violence, inmate assaults, and staff turnover than government-run facilities. Cost-cutting measures in staffing and training lead to:
- Fewer correctional officers per inmate
- Lower wages lead to high turnover and inexperienced staff
- Reduced medical care access, contributing to untreated illnesses and mental health crises
  However, some private facilities claim to have lower incident rates due to strict behavioral screening of inmates before placement.
Why do governments use private prisons?
Governments contract with private prisons to reduce overcrowding, lower operational costs, and provide flexibility in managing inmate populations. When state or federal prisons reach capacity, private prisons act as overflow facilities, housing inmates until space becomes available in public institutions. Some states rely heavily on private prisons due to budget constraints and lack of funding to build new government-run facilities.
Which states use private prisons?
As of recent reports, the states with the largest private prison populations include:
- Texas (over 12,000 inmates)
- Florida (over 10,000 inmates)
- Arizona (about 8,000 inmates)
- Georgia (over 7,000 inmates)
  Some states, including California, Illinois, and New York, have banned private prisons for housing state inmates but still allow federal contracts for immigration detainees.
How are private prisons funded?
Private prisons generate revenue through contracts with government agencies, which pay a fixed daily rate per inmate housed. Additional revenue streams include:
- Inmate phone services (provided by companies like GTL and Securus, with high per-minute rates)
- Commissary sales (charging premium prices for snacks, hygiene products, and personal items)
- Inmate work programs (where inmates are paid as little as $0.12 per hour for labor)
- Medical co-pays (some facilities charge inmates for non-emergency medical visits)
Do private prisons save taxpayers money?
Supporters argue that private prisons reduce costs through lower staff wages, fewer pension benefits, and operational efficiencies. However, critics claim these cost savings come at the expense of safety, rehabilitation, and inmate care. Reports indicate that private prisons cut corners on healthcare, food quality, and staffing, which may increase long-term costs due to higher recidivism rates and legal challenges.
Can private prison inmates make phone calls?
Yes, inmates can make outgoing calls using prepaid phone services such as GTL (ViaPath), Securus, NCIC, Paytel, and IC Solutions. Calls are monitored and recorded, and rates vary by state. Some facilities offer video visitation services, but these are often costly for families.
How do families send money to inmates in private prisons?
Funds can be deposited through JPay, Western Union, MoneyGram, or facility-approved JailATM kiosks. Private prisons often outsource financial transactions to third-party companies that charge higher fees than public institutions.
Do private prisons offer education and rehabilitation programs?
Programs vary by contract, but many private prisons offer GED courses, vocational training, and substance abuse counseling. However, these programs are often underfunded, and inmate participation may be limited due to facility staffing shortages.
Do private prisons house federal inmates?
Yes, private companies contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to house federal and immigration detainees. However, in 2021, the Biden administration ordered the DOJ to phase out private prison contracts for BOP inmates, reducing their role in federal incarceration.
What happens if a private prison contract is terminated?
If a state or federal agency ends a contract, inmates are transferred to public facilities or another private facility. Some private prisons are repurposed for detention centers, mental health facilities, or immigration housing.
Are private prisons subject to the same oversight as public prisons?
Private prisons must comply with state and federal laws, but they are not subject to the same transparency requirements as public facilities. Some states audit private prisons to ensure compliance, while others allow more operational secrecy due to corporate protection.
Can inmates transfer from private to public prisons?
Transfers depend on contract terms, inmate classification, and bed availability. Some inmates are transferred if security risks arise, while others remain in private facilities until their sentence is completed.
Do private prisons have higher recidivism rates?
Studies suggest that private prisons have higher recidivism rates due to fewer rehabilitation programs, lack of mental health support, and profit-driven incentives to keep beds full.
Why are private prisons controversial?
Critics argue that private prisons prioritize profit over inmate welfare, leading to:

Staffing shortages and high officer turnover
Inadequate medical care and long delays in receiving treatment
Higher rates of violence and assaults
Minimal educational and vocational programs
These concerns have led to state and federal efforts to reduce reliance on private prisons.

Ask The Inmate

Connect directly with former inmates and get your questions answered for free. Gain valuable insights from individuals with firsthand experience in the federal prison system, state and county jails, and GEO and CoreCivic-run private prisons. Whether you're seeking advice, clarification, or just curious about life behind bars, this unique opportunity allows you to ask questions or explore answers to previous inquiries from the InmateAid community. Engage in meaningful discussions and get informed perspectives from those who truly understand the system.