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FCI Leavenworth and Satellite Camp (ICE)

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: May 08, 2026
Address
1300 Metropolitan Ave, Leavenworth, KS 66048
Beds
1750
County
Leavenworth
Phone
913-682-8700
Fax
913-578-1010
Email
lvn-execassistant-s@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 1000, Leavenworth, KS 66048
View Official Website

FCI Leavenworth is for Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offenders found guilty of a federal crime and sentenced to incarceration in accordance with the Department of Justice Sentencing Guidelines.

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 Federal Medium | Minimum facility.

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

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is MoneyGram There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

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 FCI Leavenworth and Satellite Camp (ICE)
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Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

If your loved one is at FCI Leavenworth, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 913-682-8700 with any immediate questions.

FCI Leavenworth, located in Leavenworth, Kansas, is a federal correctional institution managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This page provides essential information for those seeking details about inmate services, visitation guidelines, and facility contact information.

Questions About This Facility

FCI Leavenworth, officially known as the Federal Correctional Institution Leavenworth, is one of the most historically recognized federal prisons in the United States. Located in Leavenworth, Kansas, the institution operates as a medium-security federal prison complex under the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has long played a major role in the federal correctional system. The prison currently houses federal inmates, U.S. Marshals detainees, and ICE detainees held under agreements with the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Public Bureau of Prisons and federal contract records identify the institution as having an approximate operational capacity of 1,900 inmates and detainees combined, although populations fluctuate depending on federal custody needs. The facility is currently overseen by Warden Robert M. Garcia, who manages daily prison operations, inmate supervision, rehabilitation programming, transportation logistics, and institutional security.

Originally opened in 1895 as the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth became the first large-scale federal penitentiary in the country and remains one of the most iconic correctional institutions in American history. The prison’s massive stone architecture and fortress-like design have made it instantly recognizable for generations. Over the decades, Leavenworth housed some of the nation’s most notorious federal prisoners and became synonymous with long-term federal incarceration. Although the original United States Penitentiary Leavenworth remains nearby as a separate high-security facility, FCI Leavenworth now serves as a medium-security federal institution that continues supporting a broad range of federal detention functions, including temporary DHS immigration detention operations.

The facility contains secure housing units, medical and mental health clinics, intake and transportation areas, attorney visitation sections, recreation yards, educational facilities, food service operations, and administrative offices supporting around-the-clock federal detention operations. FCI Leavenworth also offers the Bureau of Prisons’ Residential Drug Abuse Program, commonly known as RDAP, one of the federal system’s most sought-after rehabilitation programs because eligible inmates may receive sentence reductions after successful completion. Additional programming includes GED classes, vocational instruction, substance abuse counseling, parenting courses, reentry preparation, anger management programs, and occupational training opportunities intended to reduce recidivism and improve post-release outcomes. ICE detainees housed at the institution are generally held pending immigration proceedings, transfer, or removal operations coordinated through DHS.

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.

FCI Leavenworth has housed many infamous inmates throughout its long history. Former prisoners include machine gun gangster George “Machine Gun” Kelly, Al Capone associate Frank Nitti, James Earl Ray, boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, former NFL player Rae Carruth, and numerous organized crime figures, political offenders, and high-profile federal inmates over the last century. The prison also became widely known through movies, documentaries, books, and television portrayals that cemented Leavenworth’s reputation as one of America’s most legendary federal prisons. Because of its age and historic importance, the institution has often been viewed as a symbol of the federal prison system itself.

Like many older federal prisons, FCI Leavenworth has faced challenges involving aging infrastructure, staffing shortages, inmate violence, and healthcare concerns over the years. Federal audits and inmate advocacy groups have periodically criticized overcrowding and operational conditions, while the institution continues balancing security demands with rehabilitation and detention responsibilities. Despite those challenges, FCI Leavenworth remains one of the most historically important correctional institutions in the United States and continues serving as a major federal prison and DHS detention site within the broader federal justice and immigration enforcement systems.

The facility's infrastructure comprises one-person and two-person cells, ensuring security and supervision. Comprehensive health services, including medical and dental care, are provided to inmates, along with psychological services for counseling and intervention. FCI Leavenworth also hosts a Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) and offers education services, vocational training, and advanced occupational education to support inmate rehabilitation.

The library at USP Leavenworth provides legal reference materials and leisure reading materials, along with electronic resources for research and learning. UNICOR facilities handle recycling activities and produce clothing and textiles, contributing to vocational training and employment opportunities for inmates.

Inmates are permitted to spend up to $360.00 per month in the commissary, where they can purchase a variety of items, including food, clothing, electronics, and over-the-counter medications. Recreation services encompass diverse activities such as sports, movies, and music programs, providing inmates with outlets for relaxation and entertainment.

USP Leavenworth, with its rich history and comprehensive programs, remains a significant institution within the federal corrections system, aiming to facilitate inmate rehabilitation and contribute to public safety.

Table of Contents for FCI Leavenworth

Inmate Locator

FCI Leavenworth and Satellite Camp (ICE) is a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. To search for an inmate, enter their full legal name or their eight-digit BOP Register Number (xxxxx-xxx) at bop.gov. The Register Number appears on court documents and returns faster, more precise results than a name search.

If the BOP locator does not return results, use the InmateAid Inmate Search tool. This database covers inmates across federal, state, and county facilities nationwide and does not require an account or sign-up.. This free inmate locator.

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 - FCI Leavenworth

Facility Contacts

ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 913-682-8700 Facility website: bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn

Note on Friend and Family Visits

This facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). For current friend and family visiting hours and protocols, check FCI Leavenworth's information page directly through the BOP website at bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn.

Who Can Visit

You can only visit a detainee at FCI Leavenworth if the detainee has placed you on their visitor list and BOP has cleared you in advance. BOP has its own rules on who can visit, what to wear, how long visits last, conduct expectations, and physical contact. Review the BOP guide "How to visit a federal inmate" at bop.gov/inmates/visiting.jsp before planning a visit.

Visiting Rules

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.

Attorney Visits

In-person attorney visits run Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

For additional details on legal visits, see FCI Leavenworth's BOP page at bop.gov/locations/institutions/lvn.

Electronic Legal Documents

BOP has specific rules for when an inmate can receive electronic legal materials from an attorney. Review the acceptable format guidelines at bop.gov/inmates/custody_and_care/docs/ediscovery-formats.pdf.

Consular Visits

Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 913-682-8700 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

Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Leavenworth and Satellite Camp (ICE)

  1. What is a federal prison?
      A federal prison is a correctional facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to house individuals convicted of federal crimes. These offenses include drug trafficking across state lines, white-collar crimes, terrorism, bank robbery, and other federal violations. Unlike state prisons, federal prisons operate under standardized regulations and typically have more structured programming.

  2. How do federal prisons differ from state prisons?
      Federal prisons are managed by the BOP and house inmates convicted of violating federal laws, while state prisons house those convicted of state crimes. Federal facilities tend to have more uniform security classifications and rehabilitation programs, while state prisons vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, federal inmates often serve longer sentences with less opportunity for parole, as federal sentencing guidelines are stricter.

  3. What are the security levels in federal prisons?
      The BOP classifies federal prisons into five security levels:

    • Minimum (Federal Prison Camps - FPCs): Low-risk inmates with non-violent offenses, dormitory-style housing, and little supervision.
    • Low (FCIs - Low): More security than camps, with fences, dorm-style housing, and work programs.
    • Medium (FCIs - Medium): Higher security, cell housing, increased staff monitoring, and more restricted movement.
    • High (United States Penitentiaries - USPs): Maximum security, with high walls, armed guards, and strict inmate movement restrictions.
    • Administrative Facilities (ADX, MCC, MDC, FMCs): Used for medical care, high-risk inmates, or those requiring extreme isolation (e.g., ADX Florence Supermax).

  4. What is ADX Florence, and why is it considered the most secure prison?
      ADX Florence, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a supermax facility in Colorado that houses the most dangerous federal inmates, including terrorists and high-profile criminals. It has 23-hour solitary confinement, soundproof cells, and minimal human interaction to prevent escapes or inmate violence.

  5. Can federal inmates earn early release?
      Federal inmates can reduce their sentences through good conduct time (GCT), participation in rehabilitation programs, and the First Step Act. However, unlike state prisons, parole was eliminated from the federal system in 1987, meaning inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being released on supervised release.

  6. How do phone calls work in federal prisons?
      Federal inmates can make outgoing calls only to approved numbers using the Corrlincs system, managed by providers such as GTL (ViaPath) and Securus or the BOP itself. Calls are limited to 15 minutes per call and 300 minutes per month, with costs varying between $0.06 to $0.21 per minute depending on the location. Using a LOCAL number gets the six-cents-per-minute rate. Get a local number from InmateAId for only $5.00. All calls are monitored and recorded, except for attorney-client calls.

  7. Can federal inmates send and receive mail?
      Yes, inmates can send and receive mail, but all non-legal mail is screened for contraband. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be shipped directly from an approved vendor like Amazon or InmateAid. Legal mail is not read but may be inspected in the presence of the inmate.

  8. What are the visitation rules for federal prisons?
      Visitation is allowed, but visitors must be pre-approved and follow strict guidelines, including dress codes, behavioral rules, and security screenings. Some institutions offer non-contact visits (separated by glass), while others allow contact visits with limited physical interaction. Visits can be terminated if rules are violated.

  9. How do family members send money to federal inmates?
      Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s account using Western Union, MoneyGram, or the BOP’s online deposit system called Trulincs. Family members can also send postal money orders to the Federal Bureau of Prisons centralized processing facility in Des Moines, Iowa.

  10. Do federal prisons provide healthcare?
      Yes, federal prisons provide basic medical, dental, and mental health care, with certain facilities designated for serious medical conditions (FMCs – Federal Medical Centers). Emergency treatment may require transfer to an outside hospital, and some medications are restricted based on security concerns.

  11. Do federal inmates have access to education and work programs?
      Yes, federal prisons offer GED programs, college correspondence courses, and vocational training. Inmates can work through UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries), earning $0.12 to $1.15 per hour for jobs in textiles, manufacturing, or recycling. Participation in these programs can also help reduce sentence time under the First Step Act.

  12. What happens if an inmate breaks the rules in a federal prison?
      Disciplinary actions range from loss of privileges (phone, commissary, visitation) to solitary confinement (SHU - Special Housing Unit). More serious infractions can lead to criminal charges or additional prison time.

  13. Can federal inmates transfer to a different facility?
      Transfers can happen for security reasons, medical needs, overcrowding, or disciplinary actions. Inmates may also request a transfer closer to family, but approval depends on the BOP’s evaluation.

  14. What kind of food do federal inmates receive?
      Federal prisons follow National Menu guidelines, providing three meals per day, including vegetarian and religious dietary options. Some facilities allow inmates to purchase snacks and specialty foods from the commissary.

  15. Can federal inmates own personal property?
      Inmates are allowed limited personal items such as eyeglasses, religious materials, and authorized hygiene products. Commissary purchases may include headphones, radios, and writing supplies.

  16. Do federal inmates have internet access?
      No, federal inmates do not have direct internet access. However, they can use Trulincs, a secure email system, to communicate with approved contacts. Emails are monitored and cost approximately $0.05 per minute of usage time.

  17. Are federal prisons overcrowded?
      Many federal prisons operate above capacity, leading to shared cells, increased inmate tensions, and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Overcrowding is a major concern, prompting calls for criminal justice reform and alternative sentencing.

  18. What happens when a federal inmate is released?
      Inmates are usually transferred to a halfway house or placed on supervised release to help reintegrate into society. They may receive job placement assistance, housing referrals, and continued mental health treatment if needed.

  19. Can federal inmates vote?
      No, federal inmates cannot vote while incarcerated. However, voting rights may be restored after release, depending on the state’s policies regarding felon disenfranchisement.

Ask The Inmate

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