Berks Family Residential Center (ICE) Visitation Center

Berks County Residential Center - Visitation

Friends and Family Visits

• All visitors must have an appointment. Appointments can be made by contacting a caseworker at (610) 396-0310, ext. 2360 or 2361, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week. If a visitor arrives who did not schedule an appointment, a decision will be made on a case by case basis as to whether the visit will be allowed. Visitation is conducted seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visits may be for any length of time, but cannot interfere with programming (meals, medical, court, etc.).
• All visitors are required to enter the center through the main entrance, located directly across from the main parking lot in the front of the building.
• Adult visitors must present a valid, verifiable government-issued photo identification card to enter the center.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult. At the discretion of management, a minor (under the age of 18) without positive identification may be admitted if the accompanying adult visitor vouches for his or her identity. Minors must remain under the direct supervision of the adult visitor at all times during the visit.
• Visitors must secure all personal belongings in their vehicle prior to entering the center. Residents are not permitted to accept any item from a visitor unless approved by Management beforehand.
• Visitors must wear appropriate and socially acceptable attire.
• All visits will be monitored.
• Any disruptive conduct by any party during a visit will result in the termination of the visit and may have an adverse effect on future visits.

Attorney Visits

Legal representatives of residents are authorized to visit their clients during the following hours:

Legal visitation is conducted seven days a week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Legal representatives must schedule an appointment and are required to submit visitation requests 72 hours in advance of their initial visit and at least 24 hours in advance of additional visits. Appointments can be made by contacting a caseworker at (610) 396-0310, ext. 2360 or 2361, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. seven days a week. Pre-cleared legal visitors or attorneys will generally not be rejected if they do not provide 24 hour advanced notification; however, failing to provide notice may delay the visit based on time and or space limitations.

A list of pro bono (free) legal organizations will be posted in all resident housing units and other appropriate areas. This list shall be updated quarterly. If a resident wishes to see a representative or paralegal from that organization, it is the resident’s responsibility to contact them for an appointment.

Consular Visits

Consular officials may meet with their nationals at any time. It is requested that prior arrangements be made with the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer to the extent possible, and that consular officials bring appropriate credentials when they come to the facility. The ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer for this center can be reached at (610) 816-2341.

Clergy Visits

Clergy may visit residents at any time, but must make prior arrangements with the Chaplain’s Office.

Visiting Restrictions

• No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted in the center.
• If visitors are or appear to be intoxicated, visitation will not be allowed.
• All visitors are subject to search while in the center.
• Visitors are not allowed to pass or attempt to pass any items to residents unless approved by management at the center.
• Visitors are not allowed to carry any items into the visitation area unless approved by management at the center.

Search Procedures (prior to or during all visitations)

A hand held wand will be used to scan all individuals requesting admittance to the center or the visitation area. Individuals refusing to cooperate with a reasonable search will not be admitted. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios, etc.) are permitted in the secure areas of the center.