Office Locations
Proudly Serving Dallas, FT.Worth, San Antonio, Houston.
About the San Antonio Immigration Detention Center
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The agency’s mission is to maintain national security and public safety by conducting criminal investigations and enforcing immigration laws. ICE is, therefore, responsible for detaining noncitizens as well as combating illegal migration to the country.
Anyone suspected of violating immigration laws may be detained until their immigration hearing in an immigration court. One such detention facility is the South Texas detention Complex in San Antonio.
If a loved one or relative has been arrested and detained for a possible immigration offense, there is a possibility that they may be in this detention facility.
To help you learn more about the immigration detention center in San Antonio, Texas, we have compiled this comprehensive guide.
What Is the Immigration Detention Facility Used for?
Detention is an administrative process where immigrants are kept in custody while they wait for permission to enter the country or before they are deported or removed. Some noncitizens are subject to mandatory detention under the Immigration and Nationality Act. ICE also uses detention to ensure the presence of immigrants considered a flight or public safety risk in immigration proceedings.
ICE uses specially designated immigration detention centers, such as the San Antonio Detention Center, to hold immigrants who have violated immigration laws.
Contact Details and Location
The detention center is located at the following address:
566 Veterans Drive
Pearsall
TX 78061.
You can contact the center at (210) 231-4505. Alternatively, you can have an immigration attorney contact the Center on your behalf and make sure the proper procedure is followed.
How to Find out if Someone Is in Immigration Detention in Texas
If an individual has been arrested on an ICE arrest warrant, chances are that they have been detained in an immigration detention center close to where they were arrested.
The search for such an individual may seem nearly impossible and hopeless. However, the Center For Immigration Assistance (CFIA) provides a great online tool to help you to find where the detainee is being held. You will need the immigrant’s name and an alien registration number (A-Number). This online tool can only be used to locate persons who are over the age of 18 years.
To search by name, ensure you accurately type the detainee’s first and last name. An exact match is required.
When searching using an A-Number, it must contain nine digits. In the case of an A-Number with fewer than nine digits, you can add zeros at the beginning.
You will need the detainee’s country of origin when conducting the search in both instances.
It is possible to find out if a loved one is being held at the San Antonio Immigration Detention Center by calling (210) 231-4505 between 8 AM and 4 PM. Note that to get the information you need, you will need to provide the detainee’s biographical information.
How Long Does an Immigrant Stay in a Detention Center?
According to the American Immigration Council, ICE detainees were held for an average of 55 days in 2019. Detention time is longer for those held during their immigration court proceedings as these proceedings take some time. In 2019, the average detained immigration case took 46 days.
Across the country, noncitizens detained while defending themselves against deportation in immigration court are routinely held for longer than six months. Of course, every case is different, but these are good rule-of-thumb averages to go by.
Can I Contact a Detainee?
Unfortunately, detainees are not allowed to receive incoming calls. However, you can leave urgent messages for detainees by calling (830) 334-2939. You will be asked for the detainee’s full name and alien registration number. You will also be required to provide your name and number, after which the detainee will be advised of your message.
San Antonio Detention Center Visiting Hours
Visiting hours are determined by the classification of the detainees as follows:
- Level 1 & 2 Males: 7 AM to 2 PM
- Level 3 Males: 2 PM to 3 PM
- Level 3 Restricted Males: 3 PM to 4 PM
- Level 1 & 2 Males: 4 PM to 5 PM
- Restricted Housing Unit: 5 PM to 6 PM
One hour is allotted for visitation. Maximum visitor numbers are two adults and two children at any one time. You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled visitation time to be processed through security without cutting your visitation time.
You will be required to present a valid, verifiable government-issued identification card, such as a driver’s license or military ID, to gain access. The minor must be accompanied by an adult guardian at all times.
What Are the Visiting Restrictions?
Here are a few things to take note of before you visit the center:
- All visits are Non-contact
- All firearms or weapons are prohibited
- Visitors must be 100% sober
- Visitors will be searched
- Do not try to pass any items to detainees
- You may not carry any items into the visitation area
Do You Need an Immigration Attorney?
Immigration and customs laws are constantly changing, which makes them complex. Regardless of what immigration issue you have, whether you overstayed your visa or were arrested by US Customs and Border Protection Services for unlawful entry, a lawyer can help you navigate this system effectively.
The lawyers at Andrew T. Thomas Attorneys at Law are steeped in immigration law and would like to represent you and fight for you.
In addition, we can assist you with visa applications, adjustment of status, naturalization, removal proceedings, and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Let us evaluate your case for free by scheduling a consultation today.
