Desert View Annex (ICE) - GEO is classified as a US Immigration & Customs Enforcement-ICE facility located in Adelanto , CA. It has a strengthened perimeter fence, rows of triple razor wire on double fencing and electronic detection systems to ensure inmates stay within the confined areas within the facility. Each cell is either one or two-man units. The medium classification means that the inmates are supervised 24/7 with controlled movements. Medium security prisons house more serious offenders, but inmates can also be sent to serve time in a lower security facility for things like good behavior at the end of a sentence. To help inmates prepare themselves to rejoin the wider community offers a wide range of work and treatment programs.
How do I find someone detained by ICE?
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator at locator.ice.gov with the person's A-Number or full legal name, country of birth, and date of birth. If the search returns no result, the transfer may not yet be in the system. Call ICE ERO at 888-351-4024 or Desert View ICE directly at 760-246-1171. If you believe someone was recently detained but cannot confirm where, calling a local immigration legal aid organization may also help.
Is ICE detention the same as going to jail?
No. ICE detention is civil administrative detention, not criminal incarceration. People in ICE detention have not been convicted of a crime simply by being detained - they are being held while their immigration cases are processed. The facility may look like a jail, but the legal framework governing the detention is civil immigration law, not criminal law.
Does my family member have the right to a lawyer in immigration court?
They have the right to be represented by an attorney but not the right to a government-appointed attorney at no cost. They must secure legal representation themselves or through nonprofit legal aid. See the legal resources section above for free and low-cost options. Having legal representation significantly affects case outcomes.
How long can someone be held in ICE detention?
There is no fixed limit in most circumstances. ICE detention continues while the immigration case proceeds, which can take weeks, months, or in some cases years depending on the complexity of the case, court backlogs, and appeals. A bond hearing may result in release pending the case - an immigration attorney can advise on bond eligibility.
What is an A-Number and why do I need it?
The A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is the unique nine-digit identifier assigned to each person in the immigration system. It is the most reliable way to search the ICE Detainee Locator and track case status through the EOIR system. It appears on any immigration paperwork your family member has received. If you do not have it, call 760-246-1171 or contact an immigration attorney who may be able to locate it through official channels.
Can I visit my family member at Desert View ICE?
Visitation availability varies by facility and can change. Call 760-246-1171 to confirm current visiting hours, registration requirements, and whether in-person visits are currently permitted. Do not travel without confirming in advance.
What should I do if I cannot afford an immigration attorney?
Contact the legal aid organizations listed on this page - the National Immigrant Justice Center, RAICES, ACLU Immigrants Rights Project, and CLINIC all provide free or low-cost services. The EOIR court for your family member's jurisdiction also maintains a list of legal service providers. Call 800-898-7180 for referrals.
If fewer than 3 IC facilities in state, supplement with facilities from adjacent states
given that ICE transfers across state lines are common and families may need to know
about facilities in neighboring states.
ONE DISCLAIMER - BOTTOM OF PAGE
This page provides factual information for informational purposes only.
It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. For advice specific to
your situation, consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative.