Visiting someone held at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE) in El Paso, Texas starts with confirming the current visiting schedule, the visitor approval process, and your status on the approved visitor list. Visitation policies vary widely from one facility to another based on operating authority, security level, and the inmate's current status. Call El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE) directly at 915-225-0700 to confirm what applies right now.
Most detention facilities require visitors to be approved in advance. The inmate at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE) typically submits a list of proposed visitors, and each adult on that list completes a visitor application form for a background check. Approval timelines range from a few days to several weeks depending on the facility. Do not travel for a visit until you have received confirmation. Call 915-225-0700 for the visitor application process and expected approval timeline.
Visiting schedules at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE) depend on the facility's operating model. Some facilities offer walk-in visits during posted hours; others require advance scheduling through an online portal or phone reservation. Visiting days may differ by housing unit or classification. Holiday schedules often change without much notice. Call 915-225-0700 a day or two before your planned visit to confirm the slot is still open and the inmate is eligible for visits.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID: driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport. Most facilities require it to be unexpired and match the name on your approved application. Dress codes at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE) are enforced at entry: no revealing attire, no clothing that resembles inmate or staff uniforms, no hats, and in many facilities no underwire bras. Leave phones, bags, electronics, keys, and wallets in your vehicle or in lobby lockers.
A visit can be denied for reasons unrelated to your paperwork: the inmate may be in disciplinary status, restricted housing, medical isolation, or holdover during a transfer. Facility-wide lockdowns also suspend visits without notice. If the inmate has recently arrived, been moved, or had any change in status, call 915-225-0700 before traveling. A phone call the morning of the visit can save a wasted trip.
Many detention facilities now offer video visitation through providers such as Securus, GTL/ViaPath, HomeWAV, or Smart Communications, either alongside or in place of in-person visits. Video visits typically require setting up a paid account, scheduling in advance, and connecting from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. For information on inmate phone discount plans and money transfer services, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 915-225-0700 to confirm what's available at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE).
To confirm visiting hours, the visitor application process, or current eligibility at El Paso Service Processing Center (ICE), call 915-225-0700.
Facility Contacts
ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 915-225-0700 or 915-225-0717 Virtual attorney visit email (exigent circumstances): ELPASO_EPC_VAV@ice.dhs.gov
Visiting Hours
Visit times apply to all ICE level detainees:
Monday through Friday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Each detainee gets one hour for visitation. To find out which days your detainee is assigned for visits, call 915-225-0700 or 915-225-0717 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Contact visits can be requested through the Facility Administrator or designee.
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 (unless contact visits are specifically approved).
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 and legal assistant visits run seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Starting October 1, legal visits can be scheduled in advance through ERO eFile on a first-come basis, in 60-minute blocks, for both contact and non-contact visits. Walk-in visits are still permitted, but scheduled visits get priority.
Authorized legal assistants visiting without a scheduled appointment can only visit:
Monday through Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekends and holidays: 8 a.m. to 12 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.
Virtual Attorney Visits
Starting October 1, attorneys must request video teleconference (VTC) meetings or confidential legal phone calls through ERO eFile. Confirmation comes back through ERO eFile.
Virtual visits run Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., in 60-minute blocks. Appointments can be booked up to 2 weeks ahead but no later than 24 hours before the slot, on a first-come basis. There is no cap on how many 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 facility uses Socrates 360 for virtual visits and electronic document exchange (including document signing). Teams, WebEx, and Zoom are not supported.
The ERO eFile request must include: the attorney's full name and contact info, the detainee's name and A-number (or name, date of birth, and country of birth), and the attorney's cell phone number in the Virtual Meeting Information section to enable the Socrates platform call. This is required before you can select a time slot.
Required attachments: a scan of the attorney's government ID, proof of legal status (bar card, attorney license, paralegal license, or similar), and 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.
For requests under PBNDS 2011 Section 5.7 (V.N.1) and Section 4.3 (V.FF), upload the written request in the Attorney Authorization Letter field and the Professional Licensure or Curriculum Vitae in the Medical/Mental Health Evaluators field.
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.
The facility can cancel or reschedule appointments to manage safety risks or to make sure other attorneys and detainees get fair access. If no slots are available or you have an exigent circumstance, contact ELPASO_EPC_VAV@ice.dhs.gov.
Consular Visits
Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 915-225-0700 or 915-225-0717 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.