How to contact an inmate at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
This help guide will walk you through how to connect with an inmate. Follow the steps below to find an inmate and send letters and photos:
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement inmate search
To contact a person start by searching for the person on the facility website. Perform a search by following these steps:
- Step 1: Enter their first name and last name into the search form and click "Search"
- Step 2: Locate their inmate record
- Step 3: Write down their Inmate ID and any housing information provided
Important! Be sure to enter the persons full name. Nicknames should not be used.
After finding the person you are looking for you can then create a messaging account to send letters and photos.
How to message an inmate
You can use your phone or computer to send emails letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send an message, start by searching for an inmate at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
Sending Photos and Postcards
A great way to send love and support to loved one at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.
Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Frequently asked questions about US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
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How long does it take to deliver a message?
If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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How much does it cost to send a message to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.
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What services can I use to contact an inmate at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
Penmate
You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's a easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.
Securus messaging
Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.
JPay
Some county jails and state prisons may support for sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.
Smart Jail Mail
You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.
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What is the mailing address of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
Mailing address:
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
1115 N Imperial Ave
El Centro , CA 92243
(760) 336-4600
Overview of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE, is a federal law enforcement agency operating under the US Department of Homeland Security. Its primary function is to enforce federal laws regarding border control, immigration, customs and trade. ICE was created in 2003 as a result of the Homeland Security Act and replaced its predecessor, the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
ICE is responsible for identifying, investigating and arresting individuals who violate US immigration law. Its operations involve conducting border and interior enforcement to safeguard America's national security and public safety. The agency has more than 20,000 employees, including deportation officers, immigration enforcement agents and attorneys who operate in more than 400 offices across the US and 49 countries worldwide.
One of ICE's primary functions is to identify and deport illegal immigrants. It apprehends people who overstay their visas, have been convicted of serious criminal offenses, or pose a threat to public safety. The agency also monitors and investigates criminal activities related to border control, trade, and customs, such as the smuggling of illicit goods, and the trafficking of human beings.
Despite its responsibility for enforcing federal immigration laws, ICE has faced significant controversy. Critics accuse the agency of unfairly targeting specific ethnic and racial minorities while enforcing immigration law, often separating families and detaining individuals in overcrowded, inhumane conditions. However, supporters of the agency point to its role in protecting the safety and interests of the American people by securing borders and enforcing immigration laws which have never been as critical as they are today
What services are provided by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement?
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for enforcing immigration and customs laws. ICE offers various programs and services aimed at protecting the country from illegal immigration, trafficking, and other criminal activities.
One of the notable programs offered by ICE is the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, which deals with a wide range of criminal activities. HSI operates across the country conducting investigations into various crimes such as human trafficking, terrorist financing, transnational organized crime, money laundering, and cybercrime. Through HSI, ICE agents can track and arrest criminal syndicates or individuals engaged in such activities.
In addition to HSI, ICE also runs several detention and removal programs responsible for apprehending and removing people who violate U.S. immigration laws. The most prominent of these programs is the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which identifies, apprehends, detains, and removes individuals who are unlawfully residing in the U.S. This program typically targets persons with criminal records or those who pose a threat to national security.
ICE also runs the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), geared towards managing the nonimmigrant visa program for international students. In this program, ICE authorizes schools to admit nonimmigrant students, monitors students' academic progress, and ensures they adhere to the terms of their visas while in the U.S.
Overall, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement provides essential programs and services for the U.S. government, aimed at protecting the country and its citizens from various criminal activities. Through Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and other detention and removal programs, ICE is committed to enforcing the rule of law and ensuring that unlawful immigrants are apprehended and
