Visiting someone in federal custody at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) in Brooklyn, New York follows a different process than visiting a state prison or county jail. The Federal Bureau of Prisons sets its visitation rules system-wide, but each facility — including Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) — applies them with local procedures, visiting room schedules, and dress codes. Before traveling, confirm the current visiting schedule and your approval status by calling Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) at 718-840-4200.
Federal visitation is by approval only. The inmate at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) submits a list of proposed visitors, and each adult on that list must complete a Visitor Information Form — commonly known as the BP-A0629 — and return it directly to the institution for a background check. Approval typically takes four to six weeks, sometimes longer. You cannot visit until you receive written confirmation from the facility. Submitting the form yourself, rather than relying on the inmate to forward it, speeds the process.
BOP facilities generally hold visitation on weekends and federal holidays, with weekday visits in some institutions for inmates in specialized housing or programs. Visiting points are tracked — every inmate has a monthly visitor point allowance, and weekend and holiday visits cost more points than weekday visits. When points run out, no further visits that month. Call 718-840-4200 for current visiting days, hours, and any pre-registration requirements at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE).
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, military ID, or US passport. Foreign nationals need a passport plus appropriate visa documentation. Dress code at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) is strict: no khaki, no green, no orange or other colors that resemble inmate clothing, no revealing attire, no open-toed shoes in most facilities. Leave your phone, keys, wallet, and any electronics in your car or in the visiting room lockers. Small amounts of cash or coins are allowed for vending machines in the visiting room.
If the inmate is in the Special Housing Unit (SHU), holdover status, or recently transferred to Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE), visiting may be limited to non-contact visits behind glass, or suspended entirely. Inmates in the Communications Management Unit (CMU) face additional restrictions including pre-approval for each visit and monitoring during the visit. Disciplinary sanctions can also reduce or eliminate visiting privileges. Always call 718-840-4200 before traveling to confirm the inmate's current status.
The BOP rolled out video visitation through Trulincs at most federal facilities. Video visits require advance scheduling through the inmate's Trulincs account and have their own approval process separate from in-person visiting. Not every BOP facility offers video, and the schedule varies. Confirm video availability at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE) by calling 718-840-4200 or asking the inmate to check their Trulincs system. For information on inmate phone and email communication options, see InmateAid's federal inmate services.
To begin the BP-A0629 approval process or confirm visiting hours at Metropolitan Detention Center, MDC Brooklyn (ICE), call 718-840-4200.
Visitation Information - MDC Brooklyn
Facility Contacts
ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 718-840-4200 NYC ICE Detainee Inquiry (exigent legal calls): 212-863-3401 or NYCDetaineeInquiry@ice.dhs.gov
Note on Friend and Family Visits
This facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Friend and family visit hours run 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and are scheduled by housing unit. For the most up-to-date visiting protocol and any schedule changes, check MDC Brooklyn's information page directly through the BOP website.
Who Can Visit
You can only visit a detainee at MDC Brooklyn if the detainee has placed you on their visitor list and BOP has cleared you in advance. BOP has its own rules on who can visit, what to wear, how long visits last, conduct expectations, and physical contact. Review the BOP guide "How to visit a federal inmate" before planning a visit.
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 7:30 p.m. (count time 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (count time 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) Federal holidays: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (count time 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.)
Attorneys who arrive within an hour of a count starting (after 3 p.m. on weekdays or after 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays) cannot visit their client until the count clears.
The Attorney Guide to MDC Brooklyn covers legal visiting, attorney-client communication, release of information, and local legal procedures. Review it before your visit through the BOP website.
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.
Legal Calls
For appointments on or after December 22, attorneys must request confidential legal phone calls through ERO eFile. Confirmation comes back through ERO eFile.
Calls run Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are scheduled in 30-minute blocks, with two back-to-back blocks allowed for a 60-minute call. 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 attorney's phone number in the Virtual Meeting Information section. 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, call 212-863-3401 or email NYCDetaineeInquiry@ice.dhs.gov.
Electronic Legal Documents
BOP has specific rules for when an inmate can receive electronic legal materials from an attorney. Review BOP's Access to Electronic Discovery Materials through the BOP website.
Consular Visits
Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 718-840-4200 to make arrangements when possible, and bring credentials.
Clergy Visits
Clergy can visit but must arrange the visit ahead of time through the Chaplain. For current visiting protocol, check the BOP facility webpage.
East Building: Sunday - Female Unit Monday - Legal only Tuesday - Legal only Wednesday - Female Units (Afternoon) Thursday - Legal only Friday - Legal only Saturday - Female Unit
West Building: Sunday - Male Cadre Monday - 6th Floor Tuesday - 7th Floor Wednesday - 8th Floor Thursday - 4th Floor Friday - 5th Floor Male Cadre (Afternoon) Saturday Male Cadre
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Visitation Form, click to download.