Houston Processing Center (ICE) - CoreCivic

You can support your loved ones at HPC - ICE on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 281-449-1481.

The Houston Processing Center (ICE) - CoreCivic is a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility located at 15850 Export Plaza Dr in Houston, TX in Houston County. This medium-security facility is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and functions as a holding center for immigration detainees awaiting trial, deportation, or serving sentences following conviction.

To find an ICE inmate, please use the Detainee Locator System with the A-Number search being the most efficient method. The A-number must be exactly nine digits; if shorter, zeros should be added at the beginning. When searching by name, the first and last names must be entered as an exact match, and the detainee's correct country of birth must be selected. Please note that records of individuals under 18 cannot be searched.

Detainees at this facility are assigned to housing based on their custody level, determined by various factors including sentence length and criminal history. The detention center provides a wide range of educational and vocational training programs. Additionally, the facility is equipped to meet most detainee needs, including dietary, health, fitness, education, religious practices, and entertainment. As a privately operated facility, it undergoes frequent inspections to ensure it remains in top condition, maintaining a clean record to secure ongoing government contracts.

The Houston Contract Detention Facility, serving the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, emphasizes inmate orientation within the first two weeks of arrival, providing essential information through an inmate handbook covering various topics like medical services, religious activities, education, recreation, and visitation schedules. Clear processes are in place for inmates and families to address grievances through dedicated hotlines, ensuring fair treatment and ethical practices. CoreCivic is dedicated to upholding inmate and detainee rights, including safety, security, and well-being, with a focus on preventing personal abuse, unreasonable searches, and inappropriate power dynamics. In terms of wellness, CoreCivic offers nutrition services with specialized diets, comprehensive health care including mental health support, and recreational activities to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Staying in touch with inmates is encouraged through visits, written correspondence via mail, and phone calls facilitated by the correctional facility. Inmate accounts and commissary services allow for financial transactions to support various needs, including purchasing items from the commissary or contributing to an inmate's account. However, there are specific guidelines for inmate mailing procedures to ensure compliance with postal regulations, including prohibitions on hazardous materials, obscene content, and materials that could jeopardize facility security. Additionally, certain items are prohibited in correspondence, such as maps, Polaroid photographs, and items affixed to pages, to maintain facility safety and security.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

After processing, inmates are assigned to a housing area based on classification. Compliance with jail rules typically results in a lower classification and more privileges, while rule violations or additional charges lead to a higher classification and fewer privileges. Inmates serving as trustees within the jail undertake various tasks, including cooking, laundry, and commissary management, often receiving minimal compensation or sentence reduction for their services.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers. The environment in the county jail is considered less stressful than that of a prison because the sentences are much shorter.

The jail offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Alternatively, setting up an account through a third-party phone company may entail high fees per minute of usage. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

Books and magazines ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. The Jail enforces this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

Inmate workers are chosen based on conduct and cooperation with staff. Participation in the community service program can sometimes reduce sentences. Commissary is available weekly, with orders submitted via kiosk two days in advance. On holidays, there may be increased spending limits. Upon receiving commissary items, inmates must present their ID, check their order, and sign for it in the presence of the commissary employee. Indigent inmates are provided with all essential basic hygiene items including USPS stamps and writing materials.