Visiting someone held at Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO in McFarland, California 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 Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO directly at 661-792-2731 to confirm what applies right now.
Most detention facilities require visitors to be approved in advance. The inmate at Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO 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 661-792-2731 for the visitor application process and expected approval timeline.
Visiting schedules at Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO 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 661-792-2731 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 Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO 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 661-792-2731 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 661-792-2731 to confirm what's available at Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO.
To confirm visiting hours, the visitor application process, or current eligibility at Golden State Annex (ICE) -GEO, call 661-792-2731.
Facility Contacts
ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 661-328-4500 Facility line for legal scheduling: 661-792-2731 Chaplain's Office: 661-792-2731 ext. 274236 Attorney visit email: GSAattorney@geogroup.com Legal fax (during VAV sessions): 661-215-1347
Visiting Hours
Visit days are scheduled by housing unit and rotate throughout the week. Each visit runs 2 hours.
A Side Housing Units: Sunday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
B Side Housing Units: Saturday: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Special Management Unit (SMU): Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Contact) Saturday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Non-contact)
You can arrive at any time but should check in at least 30 minutes before visitation closes. Visitation closes at 9 p.m. on weekdays and 7 p.m. on weekends.
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
Shorts and pants must cover the buttocks and crotch when standing or sitting. Shorts can be no higher than mid-thigh while seated. No short shorts, jogging shorts, or cut-offs. Undergarments must remain covered at all times.
Skirts and dresses must extend to mid-thigh while seated. Slits cannot rise higher than mid-thigh while seated.
No sheer, see-through, leggings, spandex, overly tight, or transparent clothing. Tops cannot be cut lower than the underarm in the front or back. No bare midriffs, strapless tops, low-cut tube tops, or swimsuits.
Shirts required at all times. No muscle shirts or sleeveless shirts. Shoes required at all times. No gang colors or gang displays.
No hats, beanies, or hooded sweatshirt or jacket hoods in visiting or court. Religious head dressings (Kippah, Yarmulke, Taqiyah, Turban, Rasta cap, veiling, or hijab) are permitted, but visitors may be asked to remove them for a contraband inspection. If requested by the visitor, this inspection will be conducted by a staff member of the same sex in a reasonably private location.
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. If you appear intoxicated, you will be turned away.
Attorney Visits
In-person attorney visits run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Legal visits can be scheduled in advance through ERO eFile on a first-come basis, in 60-minute blocks. Upload the Building Access form as an attachment in the Attorney Authorization Letter field when you schedule your visit. Allow 5 to 10 business days for the form to process. Walk-in visits are still permitted, but scheduled visits get priority.
The maximum capacity for an in-person legal visitation room is two visitors.
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
Attorneys must request virtual attorney visitation (VAV) sessions or confidential legal phone calls through ERO eFile. Confirmation comes back through ERO eFile.
VAV sessions run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are scheduled in 30-minute blocks, with two consecutive blocks allowed for a 60-minute session. 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 appointment with the same detainee in a single day.
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 Zoom or WebEx meeting link in the Virtual Meeting Information section. For phone-only calls, provide the phone number. 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 GSAattorney@geogroup.com or call 661-792-2731.
Legal Mail by Fax (During VAV Sessions Only)
Faxing must be requested when the VAV session is scheduled. The facility will only process faxes during the scheduled VAV appointment window, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Legal mail fax: 661-215-1347.
The cover sheet must include the sender's name, law office, address, the detainee's full name and A-number, sender's return fax number, total page count, and date.
If the attorney is sending legal documents to the detainee during the VAV session, staff will remain in the room until the fax is complete and will inspect the documents for contraband. The transmission verification is filed by staff, and a copy is given to the detainee.
This fax process is meant to assist with urgent communication, not to replace sending legal correspondence through the mail.
Consular Visits
Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 661-328-4500 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 661-792-2731 ext. 274236.