Setting Up Tablet Communication at Rio Grande: From Email Invite to Video Visits
Getting set up to message or video visit with someone at Rio Grande starts with one thing: an email invitation sent by the detainee. Once you know what to look for, the rest is straightforward.
Rio Grande Detention Center does have tablets available for detainees, and all tablet-based communication flows through them.
The detainee has to start the process. They send an email invitation to friends and family from their tablet. If you're waiting to message or set up a video visit, keep an eye on the email account they have on file for you. Double-check that they have the right address.
Note: When you receive the email invitation, you'll have the option to accept or deny it.
Once you accept the invitation, you'll be directed to a webpage where you can download the communication apps. These apps are how you access video visits, email, and text messaging with the detainee.
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- ✓ Video visits
- ✓ Text messaging
One thing to know up front: detainees at this facility cannot receive incoming telephone calls. If you've been trying to reach them by calling directly, that's why it isn't working.
- Check your inbox and spam folders. If the detainee says they sent the invite but you do not see it, look in spam or junk, then confirm they used the right email address.
- Leave an urgent message by phone. Call (956) 718-4700 and leave the detainee’s full name, alien registration number, and your name and telephone number where you can be reached.
- Call for general detainee information. Call (956) 615-9720 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The facility's information covers the basic flow (invite by email, accept or deny, then download the apps to access video visits, email, and text messages) and confirms tablets are available. It does not name the vendor or specific app(s), and it doesn't provide details like costs, scheduling rules for video visits, or troubleshooting steps if the apps aren't working.
- ✓ The exact vendor name or specific app names
- ✓ Pricing or fee details for messages or video visits
- ✓ Video visit scheduling rules, limits, or availability times
- ✓ Detailed tablet or personal-device policy specifics beyond the invite process
- ✓ Guarantees about connection quality, delivery times, or technical support availability
Reminder: Detainees cannot receive incoming telephone calls. Tablet messaging and video visits are not the same as calling them directly.
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