How to Leave an Urgent Message for Someone at Rio Grande Detention Center

Rio Grande Detention Center has two phone lines, and which one you call depends on what you need. If you're trying to confirm someone is housed there or get general detainee information, call (956) 615-9720 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to pass along urgent information to the detainee themselves, use the urgent-message number instead. Detainees can't receive incoming calls, so the urgent-message line is the only way to get a message routed to them.

1. Call the urgent-message number: Dial (956) 718-4700.
2. Give the detainee’s identifying details: Provide the detainee’s full name and alien registration number.
3. Leave your callback information: Leave your name and telephone number where you can be reached.
4. State your urgent message clearly: Keep it brief and specific so it can be passed along accurately. The detainee will be given your message.

What to Have Ready

• ✓ Detainee’s full name (including first, last and hyphenated names)
• ✓ Any aliases he or she may use
• ✓ Date of birth
• ✓ Country of birth
• ✓ Alien registration number
• ✓ Your name
• ✓ Your telephone number where you can be reached

Call (956) 718-4700 and provide the detainee's full name, alien registration number, and your name and telephone number. The facility will then pass your message along to the detainee.

Don't have the alien registration number? Call the detainee information line at (956) 615-9720 first. Have the individual's biographical information ready: first, last, and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth, and country of birth. That same biographical info is also useful for confirming you have the right person before leaving an urgent message.