Understanding Medical Care for Detainees at Joe Corley: What Happens After Arrival
When someone you care about arrives at the Joe Corley Processing Center, medical questions come fast. Here's what ICE standards require for screening, assessments, emergency care, and how health information is handled.
Under ICE medical standards, the first health check should happen quickly. Every detainee must receive a comprehensive intake screening - covering medical, dental, and mental health needs - within 12 hours of arrival. Anyone showing signs of urgent medical or mental health concerns gets prioritized during this process.
That same 12-hour window includes tuberculosis (TB) screening, done according to CDC guidelines. This helps facilities catch infectious disease risks early - especially critical in a congregate setting like detention.
Intake screening is just the first pass. ICE standards also require a more thorough health assessment - including a physical exam and mental health screening - performed by a licensed healthcare professional. This must happen within 14 days of entering ICE custody or arriving at the facility.
Emergencies don't wait for business hours. ICE standards require Joe Corley to provide 24-hour emergency medical and mental health services to all detainees.
Medical information in detention is handled differently than general custody records. A detainee's health status is confidential, and health records are kept separate from other detention files. Access is limited by written procedures and applicable laws - so while you can share concerns with staff, don't expect them to discuss detailed medical information over the phone.
For basic information about someone housed at Joe Corley, call (936) 520-5000 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Have identifying details ready: first and last name (including any hyphenated names), any aliases, date of birth, and country of birth.
Heads up: Detainees at Joe Corley cannot receive incoming phone calls.
- Call the urgent message line - Dial (936) 521-4000.
- Give the detainee’s identifying information - Leave the detainee’s full name and alien registration number (A-number).
- Leave your callback details - Provide your name and a phone number where you can be reached so staff can follow up if needed.
- Know what staff can and can’t share - Health status and medical records are treated as confidential and are only accessible under written procedures and applicable laws, so staff may not be able to discuss detailed medical information with you even when you’re reporting a concern.
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