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Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)

County Jail

Last Updated: May 09, 2026
Address
3000 Decker Crane Ln, Covington, KY 41011
Beds
602
County
Kenton
Phone
859-363-2400
Fax
859-392-1744
View Official Website

Kenton Co Jail is for County Jail offenders sentenced up to twenty four months.

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 County - medium facility.

The phone carrier is InmateSales.com, 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 Care A Cell 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 Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)
Search Arrest Records

Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

If your loved one is at Kenton Co Jail, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 859-363-2400 with any immediate questions.

When someone you care about gets locked up, it's tough to figure out all the ins and outs of jail life. From sending mail to visiting, there are a lot of things to sort out. And getting info about the arrest? Not always easy. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get a handle on how things work here so that you can stay connected and support your loved one behind bars.

The Kenton Co Jail is a detention center located at 3000 Decker Crane Ln Covington, KY which is operated locally by the Kenton County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are here for less than two years. Kenton County accepts inmates from surrounding towns, Covington Police Department, and the US Marshal's Service.

New detainees arrive at the jail regularly, with some being released on bail, placed under pretrial services caseloads, supervised by probation agencies, or released on recognizance with a court appearance agreement. Those who are not released await their court appearances at the jail, receiving accommodations including bedding and meals.

You can see all the arrest records for Kentucky here.

The Kenton County Detention Center in Covington, Kentucky, operates as one of Northern Kentucky’s largest and most active correctional facilities, serving county, state, federal, and immigration detention populations. The jail functions under the leadership of Kenton County Jailer Marc Fields, an elected constitutional officer in Kentucky, where county jailers maintain direct operational authority over detention facilities rather than sheriffs in many jurisdictions. In recent years, the detention center has expanded its role within the federal detention system by housing ICE detainees under contract with the Department of Homeland Security, making it part of the growing regional immigration detention network serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky corridor.

The facility maintains an estimated operational capacity of over 600 inmates and detainees, making it substantially larger than many county-run jails across Kentucky. Its size allows the detention center to house a broad classification range that includes pretrial detainees, sentenced county inmates, federal prisoners, and immigration detainees awaiting hearings, transfers, or removal proceedings. The jail’s location near Interstate 75, Interstate 71, and the Ohio River corridor places it within close proximity to federal courts, immigration enforcement operations, and transportation routes connecting Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. That geographic positioning has helped make Kenton County an increasingly attractive partner for federal detention contracts involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The detention center began more formally housing ICE detainees during the recent expansion of immigration enforcement partnerships throughout Kentucky. Reports from 2025 and 2026 identified the Kenton County Detention Center as one of several Kentucky county jails generating substantial revenue through federal immigration housing agreements. Jail officials publicly acknowledged that the facility dedicated dozens of beds specifically for ICE detainees, with immigration populations fluctuating based on federal enforcement activity and bed availability throughout the region. The agreement allows the detention center to temporarily house detainees arrested or transferred by ICE while they await immigration hearings, bond determinations, transportation, or deportation proceedings. Facility staff have also implemented specialized intake and communication procedures to accommodate detainees who may require language interpretation services during booking and classification.

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.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.

Operationally, the Kenton County Detention Center functions far beyond the scope of a traditional county jail. The complex manages inmate medical services, transportation logistics, video visitation systems, commissary operations, classification housing, and extensive coordination with local courts and federal agencies. One notable feature of the facility is its nationally recognized COR-12 substance abuse treatment program, which was developed to address opioid addiction and recidivism among incarcerated individuals. That program has received attention within correctional and rehabilitation circles for combining structured treatment models with reentry-focused support services. The jail also processes a significant number of inmates from neighboring jurisdictions and federal agencies, increasing the complexity of daily operations compared to smaller county detention centers throughout Kentucky.

As immigration detention partnerships continue expanding throughout Kentucky, the Kenton County Detention Center has become one of the more closely watched local facilities involved in federal immigration custody operations. Community discussions surrounding the jail increasingly include debate over detention contracts, federal reimbursement rates, immigration enforcement policies, and the long-term role county jails play within the national DHS detention infrastructure. Despite those debates, the detention center remains a major correctional hub in Northern Kentucky, balancing local public safety responsibilities with growing federal detention obligations. Its combination of large inmate capacity, interstate location, rehabilitation programming, and ICE housing contracts has positioned the Kenton County Detention Center as one of Kentucky’s most operationally significant county detention facilities.

Table of Contents for Kenton Co Jail

Inmate Locator

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

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 - Kenton County Detention Center KY

Facility Contacts

ICE Officer (Chicago detained unit): CHI-ERO-Detained@ice.dhs.gov Visit scheduling (Inmate Sales): 1-866-340-7879 Combined Public Communications (phone account funding): 702-829-3001 or www.Inmatesales.com Legal scheduling email: KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org Legal fax: 859-363-0425

Visiting Hours

ICE detainees get one hour of visitation per week, which can be split into two 30-minute visits.

Monday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Call 1-866-340-7879 to schedule an in-person visit. Visits must be scheduled at least one business day in advance.

Funding Detainee Phone Calls

To put money on a detainee's account for phone minutes, call Combined Public Communications at 702-829-3001 or visit www.Inmatesales.com.

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 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments outside these hours may be approved on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances.

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.

Virtual Attorney Visits and Legal Calls

Attorneys can request video teleconference (VTC) meetings or confidential legal phone calls by emailing KCDCICEATTY@kentoncounty.org. The facility will reply with instructions on setting up an account with Combined Public Communications for private attorney visits.

Appointments must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions run 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in 30 to 60-minute blocks. There is no cap on how many VTC appointments an attorney can request, but no attorney can have more than one 60-minute meeting with the same detainee in a single day.

The email request must include: the attorney's full name and contact info, the detainee's name and A-number, several proposed dates and times, a scan of the attorney's government ID, proof of legal status (bar card, attorney license, paralegal license, or similar), and a scan of the eFiled G-28 unless this is a pre-representational visit. If a legal assistant is joining alone, attach a letter of authorization on firm letterhead and a scan of the assistant's ID.

Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters are allowed on these calls. No family, no friends. The attorney can use outside interpretation services during the session. Calls are confidential; an officer stays within sight but out of earshot and will knock 5 minutes before the cutoff.

Recording any virtual or in-person visit, by audio or video, is prohibited. Violations can result in suspension or permanent loss of virtual attorney visit privileges.

Legal Mail by Fax

Attorneys can fax legal correspondence to 859-363-0425.

The cover letter must include the detainee's full name, A-number, sender's return fax number, and total page count.

The fax is delivered to the detainee in a sealed envelope marked with the detainee's name and A-number. Documents are inspected for contraband but not read. All legal faxes are treated as confidential and logged by the court officer. Processing happens during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. The transmission verification is filed by the courtroom staff, and a copy is given to the detainee.

Detainee-Initiated Legal Mail

Detainees can send their own legal documents through the facility tablet by submitting a request to their assigned case manager. The case manager schedules a court room session where the detainee provides the legal representative's name, law firm (if applicable), address, and office phone and fax numbers. The detainee fills out a cover sheet at transmission. The court room officer faxes the documents in the detainee's presence after inspecting them for contraband (without reading), then returns the originals and the fax confirmation to the detainee.

Consular Visits

Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Make arrangements with the ICE officer through the Chicago detained unit at CHI-ERO-Detained@ice.dhs.gov 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 Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)

  1. How can I find out if someone is in jail at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    To determine if someone is currently incarcerated at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE), start by checking the facility’s online inmate search database, which is typically updated with recent booking information. If your search does not yield results, try using VINELink, a nationwide inmate locator that provides custody status for individuals in participating correctional facilities. If online searches are unsuccessful, calling Kenton County Detention Center (ICE) directly and providing the individual’s full name and date of birth is another reliable way to confirm their custody status. If all else fails, you can use the Arrest Record Finder for a small fee, which can provide broader search results across multiple jurisdictions. 

  2. What are the visitation hours at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Visitation schedules vary by facility and housing unit. Some jails offer in-person visits on specific days, while others have transitioned to video visitation. Always check with the jail in advance, as visits may require scheduling and approval.

  3. How do I send money to an inmate at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Inmates can receive funds through various methods, including online deposits via jail-approved services, kiosks at the facility, or by mailing a money order. Some jails require funds to be added by specific family members or approved contacts.

  4. Can I call an inmate at Kenton Co Jail?
    Inmates cannot receive incoming phone calls, but they may initiate collect calls or use a prepaid account provided by the jail’s phone service provider. Calls are generally recorded and monitored, and inmates must adhere to time limits. Communication gets costly, you might qualify for discounts on inmate calls if your inmate is calling you a lot.

  5. What items can I send to an inmate at Kenton Co Jail?
    Approved items typically include letters, legal documents, and photographs. Some jails also permit care packages from authorized third-party vendors. Items such as greeting cards with glitter, stickers, or Polaroid photos may be prohibited.

  6. Are books and magazines allowed at Kenton Co Jail?
    Yes, inmates can receive books and magazines directly from approved vendors such as Amazon or InmateAid. Hardcover books and explicit content are typically prohibited to maintain facility security. Some jails also have restrictions on the number of reading materials an inmate can possess at one time.

  7. What is the mailing address for inmates here?
    Each facility has a designated mailing address for inmate correspondence. It is important to include the inmate's full name, booking number (if applicable), and facility-approved format to ensure proper delivery. Mail containing contraband, including staples or stickers, may be rejected.

  8. What is the process for bonding someone out of Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Bail or bond amounts can be paid at the facility’s designated payment location, online, or through a licensed bail bondsman. Some jails accept cash, cashier’s checks, or credit card payments, while others require payments to be made at a county clerk’s office.

  9. How do I deposit funds into an inmate’s commissary account at Kenton Co Jail?
    Commissary funds allow inmates to purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other approved items. Deposits can be made online, at facility kiosks, or through phone services. Some facilities limit the amount that can be added per week.

  10. What clothing and personal items can an inmate have at Kenton Co Jail?
    Inmates are generally issued standard jail clothing. Personal items are often restricted, and necessary hygiene products must be purchased through commissary unless the inmate is deemed indigent. Some jails allow inmates to have religious items, such as prayer beads or a Bible.

  11. How long do inmates stay at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE) before being transferred?
    The length of stay varies based on the nature of their charges, sentencing, and case status. Some inmates serve their full sentences in county jail, while others may be transferred to a state or federal facility after sentencing.

  12. Can an inmate at Kenton Co Jail receive visits from children?
    Most jails allow minors to visit inmates but require them to be accompanied by a legal guardian. Some facilities impose restrictions based on the nature of the inmate's charges or have specific visitation hours for families with children.

  13. How can I schedule a visit with an inmate at Kenton Co Jail?
    Many jails require visitation to be scheduled in advance through an online portal or by phone. Some facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others enforce strict scheduling rules and background checks for visitors.

  14. What happens if an inmate gets sick or needs medical care at Kenton Co Jail?
    Jails provide basic medical care, and inmates can request medical attention as needed. Emergency cases are treated immediately, while routine care is provided through medical staff. Some jails charge small medical co-pays deducted from an inmate’s commissary funds.

  15. Can inmates work while incarcerated here?
    Some inmates qualify for work programs within the facility, such as kitchen duty, janitorial work, or laundry services. In some counties, low-risk inmates may participate in work-release programs that allow them to work in the community and return to jail afterward.

  16. How can I find court dates and case information for an inmate at Kenton Co Jail?
    Court dates and case details can usually be found through the county court website, public records, or by contacting the court clerk. Inmates are typically transported to court on scheduled hearing dates.

  17. What are the rules for inmate phone calls at Kenton Co Jail?
    Inmate phone calls are monitored and recorded for security purposes. Calls must be made through facility-approved phone services, and any attempt to arrange three-way calls or circumvent restrictions may result in loss of phone privileges.

  18. Can an inmate be released early from Kenton Co Jail?
    Early release may be granted through good behavior, completion of rehabilitative programs, or at the discretion of the court. In some cases, inmates may qualify for electronic monitoring or house arrest programs.

  19. What types of rehabilitation programs are available at here?
    Many county jails offer educational programs, GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and vocational training to help inmates reintegrate into society after release.

  20. What are the consequences of bringing contraband into the jail?
    Introducing contraband, such as drugs, weapons, or cell phones, is a criminal offense and can lead to legal charges, visitation bans, or enhanced security measures within the jail.

  21. Are there special accommodations for disabled inmates at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Yes, jails are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessibility, sign language interpreters, and medical care.

  22. How do I report an issue or concern about an inmate at Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Family members and advocates can report concerns to jail administration, a prisoner rights organization, or a legal representative. Some jails have grievance procedures inmates can follow if they experience mistreatment.

  23. Can an inmate at Kenton Co Jail receive religious services or counseling?
    Yes, most jails provide chaplain services, religious counseling, and access to faith-based programs. Some facilities have multi-denominational services or allow clergy members to visit inmates upon request.

  24. What are the disciplinary procedures at Kenton Co Jail?
    Inmates who violate jail rules may face disciplinary actions such as loss of privileges, placement in solitary confinement, or additional charges. Disciplinary hearings are typically conducted before penalties are imposed.

  25. How do I obtain an inmate’s release records from Kenton County Detention Center (ICE)?
    Release records may be available through the facility’s records department, the sheriff’s office, or the county clerk. Requests may require an application and a processing fee.

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