Visiting someone held at El Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC in Raymondville, 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 Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC directly at 956-689-9999 to confirm what applies right now.
Most detention facilities require visitors to be approved in advance. The inmate at El Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC 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 956-689-9999 for the visitor application process and expected approval timeline.
Visiting schedules at El Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC 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 956-689-9999 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 Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC 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 956-689-9999 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 plans and money transfer services, see InmateAid's inmate services and call 956-689-9999 to confirm what's available at El Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC.
To confirm visiting hours, the visitor application process, or current eligibility at El Valle Detention Facility (ICE) - MTC, call 956-689-9999.
Facility Contacts
ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 956-547-1700 Chaplain's Office: 956-689-9999 ext. 457 Court office for legal scheduling: EVDF.Court@mtctrains.com
Visiting Hours
Visitation is assigned by housing unit, with each unit getting a designated day and time block.
Sunday: A1: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday: B1: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. B2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: C1: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. C2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: D1: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. D2: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: Echo: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friday: Fox: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday: Front Zulu: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Middle Zulu: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Back Zulu: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Visits are limited to 30 minutes. Any visit longer than one hour must be arranged and approved in advance by the Facility Administrator. Special consideration is given to family circumstances and visitors who have traveled long distances.
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled visit so you can clear security.
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.
Dress Code
Female visitors age 12 and older: Shorts must cover buttocks and crotch area both standing and sitting; shorts no higher than mid-thigh. No short shorts, jogging shorts, cut-offs, or similar. Skirts and dresses no shorter than mid-thigh when seated; slits cannot extend beyond mid-thigh when seated. No see-through clothing. Tops cannot be cut lower than the underarm in the front or back. No bare midriffs, halter tops, strapless tops, tube tops, or swimsuits. Shoes required at all times (infants excepted). No gang colors or gang displays.
Male visitors age 12 and older: Shorts must cover buttocks and crotch area both standing and sitting; shorts no higher than mid-thigh. No short shorts, jogging shorts, cut-offs, or similar. Shirts required at all times. No muscle shirts, bare midriff shirts, or sleeveless shirts. Shoes required at all times (infants excepted). No gang colors or gang displays.
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 seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 10 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 and Legal Calls
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, 8 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, unless an extended 2-hour appointment has been requested and approved by the facility.
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. For phone-only calls, note that. 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.
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 EVDF.Court@mtctrains.com.
Consular Visits
Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory 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 956-689-9999 ext. 457.