Visiting someone held at South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - GEO in Pearsall, 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 South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - GEO directly at 830-334-2939 to confirm what applies right now.
Most detention facilities require visitors to be approved in advance. The inmate at South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - 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 830-334-2939 for the visitor application process and expected approval timeline.
Visiting schedules at South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - 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 830-334-2939 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 South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - 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 830-334-2939 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 830-334-2939 to confirm what's available at South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - GEO.
To confirm visiting hours, the visitor application process, or current eligibility at South Texas (ICE) Processing Center - GEO, call 830-334-2939.
Facility Contacts
ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 210-231-4505 Court room officer for legal scheduling: 830-334-2939 Virtual attorney visit email: STIPCVAV@GEOGroup.com Legal mail email: 213LOP@geogroup.com
Visiting Hours
Visitation runs seven days a week. Times are assigned by detainee classification:
6 a.m. to 7 a.m.: FF 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.: Females Level I and II 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Females Level III (R) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Males Level I and II 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Males High Level II and III 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.: SMU-A 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Males Level III 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Males Level I and II (R)
Start and end times can change based on facility operations.
Per ICE Pandemic Response Requirements, social visitation only happens when the facility is in green status. You can call to check the current status, and a flyer outside the facility shows the weekly status.
Visit Limits
Each detainee gets one hour for visitation. The Facility Administrator may authorize more time for family traveling significant distances, depending on staff availability and how many people are visiting. A maximum of two adults and two children may visit at one time. The rule is applied flexibly and exceptions can be made.
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.
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 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. All legal visitation follows PBNDS 2011 Section 5.7 (V.J).
Legal visits can be scheduled in advance through ERO eFile on a first-come basis, in 30-minute blocks. Back-to-back appointments are permitted but cannot exceed 60 minutes. Walk-in visits are still permitted, but scheduled visits get priority.
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 video teleconference (VTC) meetings or confidential legal phone calls through ERO eFile. Confirmation comes back through ERO eFile.
VTC sessions run Monday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 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 VTC appointments an attorney can request, but no attorney is permitted more than 2 hours of appointments in a single day. Scheduling more than 2 hours may result in the additional visits being canceled.
For a quick phone call, the facility recommends having the detainee call the attorney instead of reserving a 30-minute slot.
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 meeting ID and passcode 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.
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 STIPCVAV@GEOGroup.com or call 830-334-2939.
Legal Mail by Email
Attorneys can send legal correspondence to 213LOP@geogroup.com. Mark "Legal Mail" clearly in the subject line and attach the specific documents to be delivered.
Include a cover sheet with the detainee's full name, A-number, sender's return fax number, total page count, and a "Legal Mail" notation.
Documents are inspected for contraband but not read, then delivered to the detainee. Processing happens during business hours Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.
Consular Visits
Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 210-231-4505 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.