Stewart Detention Center (ICE) - CoreCivic

You can support your loved ones at Stewart ICE Detention on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 229-838-5000.

The Stewart Detention Center (ICE) - CoreCivic is a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility located at 146 CCA Rd in Lumpkin, GA in Stewart 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.

Stewart Detention Center operates as a private prison managed by CoreCivic through a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Its primary function revolves around the housing of immigrant detainees awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation. Boasting an official capacity of 1752 inmates, Stewart Detention has earned recognition as the largest and busiest facility of its kind in the United States.

The financial impact of housing federal immigration detainees significantly affects Stewart County's economy, with the federal government providing 85 cents per inmate per day. This revenue stream amounts to more than half of the County's entire annual budget, signifying the county's reliance on the operation of the detention center for its economic stability.

Despite its economic importance, SDC has been the subject of scrutiny and criticism from advocacy groups and civil rights organizations. In 2012, the Detention Watch Network identified Stewart as one of ten ICE facilities slated for closure due to various issues, including the death of inmate Roberto Medina-Martinez in March 2009, allegedly due to medical neglect. This incident, along with others, has raised concerns regarding the conditions and treatment of detainees within the facility.

Family members seeking information about an ICE detainee housed at Stewart Detention Center can contact the facility at (229) 838-5000 during designated hours, providing the individual's biographical details for assistance, or going to the ICE Detainee Locator.

Upon arrival at a CoreCivic correctional facility like Stewart Detention Center, every inmate participates in an orientation program and receives an inmate handbook. This handbook covers essential topics such as medical appointments, religious services, educational programs, recreation, commissary services, hygiene expectations, facility schedules, and visitation information, ensuring that inmates can address concerns and access available programs and services.

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.

CoreCivic places significant emphasis on the fair and ethical treatment of individuals entrusted to its care. The company has clear processes in place for inmates and family members to report grievances, including dedicated telephone and email hotlines. CoreCivic employees receive training on inmate and detainee rights policies and are committed to upholding these standards.

The safety and security of inmates and detainees are paramount at CoreCivic facilities like Stewart Detention Center. Measures are in place to protect individuals from abuse, harassment, and unreasonable searches. Separate housing arrangements are made for male and female inmates when both sexes are housed in the same facility.

CoreCivic provides comprehensive wellness services to inmates and detainees to help them assess and improve their lifestyles. This includes nutrition services, health care, and wellness activities such as recreational opportunities designed to promote physical activity and positive social interaction among offenders.

In terms of mail and inmate accounts, CoreCivic facilities have specific guidelines and procedures in place. While standard letters and cards are generally accepted, restrictions may apply to other types of mail, and facilities typically do not allow packages from friends and family. Inmates may manage their finances through inmate accounts and purchase items from the commissary for various facility-related activities.

In summary, Stewart Detention Center plays a crucial role in housing immigrant detainees, but it has faced criticism and scrutiny over various issues. CoreCivic is committed to upholding the rights and welfare of individuals in its care while providing essential services and programs to promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.