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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East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO

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East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO

Private Facility

Last Updated: May 07, 2026

Connect with an Inmate

Address

1300 TX-107, LaVilla, TX 78562

Beds

1346

County

Hidalgo

Phone

956-262-4511

Fax

956-262-5210

Mailing Address

PO Box 239, LaVilla, TX 78562

View Official Website

East Hidalgo Jail 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 NCIC Inmate Telephone Services, 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 East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO

Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

Mid Valley House 12.2 mi
TDCJ - Manuel A. Segovia Unit (EN) 12.2 mi
TDCJ - Reynoldo V. Lopez State Jail (RL) 12.2 mi
Judge Mario E. Ramirez Juvenile Justice Center 12.8 mi
Hidalgo County TX Boot Camp 12.8 mi

If your loved one is at East Hidalgo Jail, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 956-262-4511 with any immediate questions.

Located in LaVilla, TX, East Hidalgo Jail 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, East Hidalgo Jail 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.

EHDC is a 1,300-bed private prison facility operated by The GEO Group for adult male inmates. The current EHDC contract, with the nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency, the United States Marshals Service, entails housing, medical care and transportation for federal detainees. EHDC also provides transportation services for Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) by ensuring the safe and humane care of ICE detainees.

If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (956) 262-4142, 24 hours a day or click here Immigration Detainee Locator. 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.

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.

Detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (956) 262-4142 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.

Letters sent to detainees must include the last four digits of the detainee’s A-Number (Alien 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.

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.

Table of Contents for East Hidalgo Jail

Inmate Locator

Finding an Inmate at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO

If you're trying to locate someone in custody at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO in LaVilla, Texas, the fastest path depends on how recently the arrest happened, what type of facility holds the inmate, and how quickly that facility updates its public records. There is no single nationwide inmate database that covers every detention facility in real time, so locating a specific person often means checking multiple sources or calling East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO directly at 956-262-4511.

Using the InmateAid Inmate Search

The InmateAid inmate search is the fastest starting point for locating someone at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO. The search pulls from facility rosters, booking systems, and arrest record databases to return current custody status, charges, and housing facility. If the person was arrested or transferred recently and doesn't appear yet, the facility likely hasn't updated its public roster, which can lag by hours or a full business day. Try again later or call 956-262-4511 to confirm.

When the Inmate Doesn't Appear in the Search

Several explanations are possible if a person isn't showing up. The booking may not be complete. The person may have been released, transferred to another facility, or moved to federal or immigration custody. Some facilities deliberately delay public records by 24 to 72 hours for security reasons. Minors are never published in any public locator regardless of facility. To rule out a transfer or release, call 956-262-4511 and ask the booking desk to confirm current status.

What You'll Need to Search Effectively

Have ready: full legal name and any aliases, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. If you know which agency made the arrest, that narrows results significantly. A booking number locates the record immediately. Without at least a full name and approximate date, searches return too many results to be useful.

Once You've Located the Inmate

When you confirm the person is at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO, set up a prepaid phone account so you don't miss the first call, and arrange any money transfer or commissary funding needed. For phone discount plans, money transfer, and mail services available at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 956-262-4511.

To confirm current custody status, recent transfers, or release information at East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO, call 956-262-4511.

Visitation Information

Visitation Information - East Hidalgo Detention Center

Facility Contacts

ICE Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer: 956-547-1700 Chaplain's Office: 956-547-1700

Visiting Hours

Friend and family visits run Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Each visit is limited to 30 minutes.

Who Can Visit

Adult visitors must show a valid, verifiable government-issued photo ID. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian who is 18 or older. Children cannot be left alone in the waiting room, visiting room, or any other area.

Visiting Rules

All friend and family visits are non-contact.

No firearms or weapons of any kind. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios) in secure areas. Visitors cannot pass anything to detainees or carry items into the visitation area.

Every visitor is subject to a pat-down, bag inspection, and metal scan. Refusing a search means you will not be admitted. If you appear intoxicated, you will be turned away.

Attorney Visits

In-person attorney visits run daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Extended hours can be arranged with approval from the Facility Warden.

A list of pro bono legal organizations is posted in every housing unit and updated quarterly. Detainees are responsible for contacting these organizations to schedule appointments.

Consular Visits

Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer at 956-547-1700 to make arrangements when possible, and bring credentials.

Clergy Visits

Clergy can visit at any time but must arrange the visit ahead of time through the Chaplain's Office at 956-547-1700.

Frequently Asked Questions About East Hidalgo Detention Center (ICE) - GEO

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.