Immigration Centers of America – Farmville

How to Find Someone in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detainee Locator

When someone that is not a US Citizen gets arrested in the United States, and they are here illegally, depending on what state or city they are arrested in, the person may be turned over to ICE. 

Many states such as New York and California, as well as hundreds of US cities, have declared themselves 'sanctuary cities' and do not turn over foreigners here illegally, even if they are committing crimes in their jurisdiction.

However, when an alien here illegally is turned over to ICE, and sent to one of the over 100 Immigration Detention Centers in the United States, the only way to try and locate where they are being detained is using the Online Detainee Locator System.

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There are two ways to search for an ICE Detainee:

You can look them up using their assigned A-Number.

• An A-Number is a 9-digit number that either looks like this: A-123456789, or like this 123-456-789. This is required if you do not know their name.
  It is also called a Registration Number when on a visa, or a USCIS# when on a Green Card.
  If for whatever reason the A-Number you have does not have 9-digits, you need to add 0s (zeroes) to the front of the number until the number has 9-digits.
  That number might then look like this:  001234567.

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You can also try and look them up by using their name.

• In order for this to be effective, you need to have the exact name that is either on their paperwork, or the the name with the exact spelling that they gave ICE. This is required.
• You also need to know the country of their birth, or the country of their birth that they gave ICE. This is required.
• Knowing their Date of Birth is helpful but not required to find them in the system.

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Important things to know about using the ICE Detainee Locator

• You do not need to set up an account to use the Detainee Locator System.
• A-Number stands for 'Alien Registration Number'.
• The System does not have information on all detainees in custody.
• Juvenile names are NOT in the System.
• The Detainee Locator System is updated every 8 hours, sometimes sooner.
• If the detainee is being moved to a new facility, the new location will not be shown until they have arrived and are processed. 
• No warnings or prior notice are given in advance of a detainee being moved.
• While being transferred to a different facility they may still be shown online as being in the original facility.
• If you are planning a visit, always call before you come to confirm the detainee is still at the facility and has not been moved.
• To visit a detainee you must have some type of government issued photo ID, or other identification when photo identification is unavailable for religious reasons.
• If you are unable to find the detainee using the System, contact the ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) in the area where you believe the person's immigration case was initiated or the Detainee Reporting and Information Line (DRIL) at 888-351-4024.

Pamphlets in various languages with Instructions on how to use the Online Detainee Locator System:

• Online Detainee Locator System Brochure (PDF | 732 KB)
• Folleto del Sistema Localizador de Detenidos en Línea (PDF | 720 KB)
• Brochure du Système de recherche en ligne de détenus(es) (PDF | 739 KB)
• Folheto Informativo do Sistema Online Para Localização de Detentos (PDF | 733 KB)
• Брошюра Онлайновая Система Определения Местонахождения Задержанного (PDF | 893 KB)
• Buug yaraha Nidaamka Lagu Ogaado Halka Ay Ku Xiran Yihiin Dadka Xiran ee barta internetka (PDF | 741 KB)
• Tài Liệu về Hệ Thống Tìm Người Bị Giam Trực Tuyến (PDF | 1.3 MB)
• 被拘留者在线查询系统手册 (PDF | 1.4 MB)
• كتيب نظام تحديد مواقع المحتجزين على شبكة الانترنت (PDF | 1.3 MB)

The Immigration Centers of America – Farmville is an immigration detention center located in Farmville, Virginia Here is a detailed description of the facility and recent news: Facility Information: TheImmigration Centers of America – Farmville is a privately-run immigration detention center that is designed to confine individuals who are awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation The facility has a capacity of over 700 people The center is located at 508 Waterworks Road, Farmville, Virginia, 23901, United States Detainee Information: If you need information about a detainee that is housed at the Immigration Centers of America – Farmville, you may call (434) 395-8114 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Unfortunately, there is no specific information available about the detainee conditions or health issues at the facility. Recent News: In recent years, the Immigration Centers of America – Farmville has been the subject of controversy and criticism from advocates and impacted families In May 2022, activists called for the facility to be shut down due to its low detainee population and allegations of mistreatment of detainees In March 2023, Virginia Public Media published an article exploring the impact of Virginia's two immigration detention centers, including the Immigration Centers of America – Farmville Jurisdiction: Immigration Centers of America – Farmville is a privately-run facility, but it is subject to oversight by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ICE is responsible for the operation and management of the facility, as well as providing court deputies and jail system services.

An In-Depth Look at Immigration Centers of America - Farmville

The Immigration Centers of America (ICAF) facility in Farmville, Virginia first opened its doors in 2010 as a dedicated immigration detention center. Owned and operated by Immigration Centers of America, ICAF Farmville provides accommodations for immigrants undergoing deportation proceedings. This comprehensive guide will provide an inside look at the Farmville facility, with details on visitation policies, sending funds to detainees, legal assistance, and more.

## All About ICAF Farmville: History and Daily Operations

The ICE Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) began utilizing ICAF Farmville to house immigration detainees in 2010. The facility operates under ERO's Field Office Director based out of Washington, DC and adheres to the national Performance-Based Detention Standards (PBNDS) 2011. 

The PBNDS outlines requirements and procedures for key functions like admission and release, classification, food service, medical care, and grievances. Following these standards ensures proper treatment and care for all ICAF detainees.

### Facility Administration and Staffing

Daily operations at ICAF Farmville are overseen by a dedicated director of detention. The director manages all support personnel, including correctional officers, intake and release staff, and administrative employees. 

Various contractors work closely with facility staff to provide essential detainee services: 

- **Trinity Services** handles all food services, from planning nutritious meals to meal prep and dining hall management. 

- **Armor Correctional Health Services** staffs the on-site medical clinic with doctors, nurses, counselors, and other healthcare professionals. They provide sick call, emergency care, medication, dental, and regular physicals.

- **Keefe Commissary** operates the detainee commissary, allowing purchases of approved items like snacks, toiletries, and calling cards.

### Accreditation and Standards Compliance

As an indicator of quality, ICAF Farmville has earned accreditation from both the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) and American Correctional Association (ACA):

- **NCCHC Accreditation (December 2016)** - Certifies the facility's healthcare program meets national standards for correctional institutions.

- **ACA Accreditation (August 2018)** - Confirms compliance with best practices for operations and maintenance. Facilities must pass rigorous auditing.  

Most recently in June 2021, ICAF Farmville underwent auditing to demonstrate compliance with the Department of Homeland Security's Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The facility successfully met all PREA requirements and earned official DHS PREA certification.

## Depositing Funds into a Detainee's Account

ICAF Farmville uses Access Corrections to manage detainee accounts, commonly referred to as "books." Friends and family can deposit funds that detainees can use for commissary purchases, phone calls, and other approved expenses.

The various deposit methods include:

- **Lobby Kiosk:** Located in the front lobby, this kiosk accepts cash, debit and credit cards for deposits. It is available during visitation hours.

- **Phone & Website Deposits:** Call Talton Communications at (866) 348-6231 or visit accesscorrections.com to make deposits by phone or web 24/7. 

- **Money Orders:** Money orders can be brought to the facility during visitation and given to staff at intake. Money orders must have the detainee's full name and A-number.

- **Onsite Cashier:** The cashier in the administration building can accept cash deposits during select hours if approved by ICAF. Appointments may be required.

### Account Funds Usage

Deposited funds are used primarily for commissary purchases, which allow detainees to buy approved items like food, hygiene products, phone cards, postage, and recreational supplies. 

A portion of account funds are taken by ICAF for daily "subsistence fees" charged to cover costs like housing, food, utilities, maintenance, and operations.

When released, any remaining balances are returned to the detainee in the form of a facility check.

## Visitation Policies and Schedule 

ICAF Farmville allows visitation for approved social and legal visitors 7 days a week from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. All visitors must provide valid government-issued photo ID and undergo screening procedures.

### Visitor ID Requirements

Only government-issued photo IDs are accepted, including:

- State-issued driver's licenses or ID cards
- Passports 
- Permanent resident cards
- Military IDs

Expired IDs are not allowed. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian with proper ID. 

### Visitation Schedule and Privileges 

Visitation duration and privileges vary based on the detainee's assigned classification level:

- **High Custody Detainees:** Non-contact visitation only. Permitted on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

- **Medium-High Custody:** Contact visitation allowed daily.

- **Low Custody:** Contact visitation allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. 

- **Restricted Housing Unit:** Visits by appointment only, with Director approval.

No visit will last less than one hour, with extended visits encouraged based on capacity. The maximum allowed visit length is 4 hours.

### Attorney and Official Visits 

Legal representatives may visit detainees 7 days a week from 9AM to 9PM with valid ID and Bar Association credentials. 

Consular officials are also permitted to visit their detained nationals at any time. Prior arrangements are appreciated.

### Clergy and Religious Visits

The facility Chaplain coordinates visits with clergy members and religious volunteers. Times are flexible, but appointments must be scheduled in advance.

### Visitor Screening and Restrictions

All social visitors undergo the following screening:

- Pass through metal detectors 
- Pat down search 
- Inspection of belongings
- ION drug scan (non-intrusive swab screening for presence of contraband)

Additionally, the following restrictions apply:

- No weapons, intoxicated persons, or banned items
- No passing of unauthorized items to detainees
- Physical contact limited based on privileges
- All interactions subject to monitoring

## Sending Mail and Packages to Detainees

Friends, family, and others can send letters and postcards to ICAF detainees through the regular postal service. All incoming mail is screened by staff before delivery to the detainee.

### Guidelines for Sending Mail 

- Include detainee's A-number and sender's name and address
- Envelopes must be standard size (no oversized mail)
- No packages will be accepted without prior authorization
- Postage stamps or metered postage must be used

After screening, mail is distributed according to the facility's posted schedule. Outgoing letters from detainees are also collected and sent out daily.

## Telephone Communication Options

While detainees cannot receive incoming calls, there are options for urgent communications:

### Leaving Urgent Messages

To leave an urgent message for a detainee, call (434) 395-8114, Extension 1000, with the following details:

- Detainee's full name and A-number
- Caller's name and callback number 

The detainee will be notified of the message as soon as possible.

### Detainee Phone Usage

Detainees can make domestic and international calls from telephones located in their housing units. All calls are subject to monitoring and recording. 

Friends and family must set up prepaid accounts with Talton Communications at accesscorrections.com or (866) 348-6231 to receive detainee calls. No collect calls allowed.

### Tablet Communications 

Through the Inspire tablet program, detainees can exchange electronic messages with approved contacts who register with the program. Tablets are restricted to non-privileged communications.

## Accessing Low Cost or Pro Bono Immigration Lawyers 

ICAF provides resources to help detainees connect with immigration legal assistance:

- **Posted List of Area Pro Bono Services:** A list of organizations offering free/low-cost immigration legal aid is posted in the housing units.

- **LOP Provider List:** Detainees are given the current "List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers" for referrals.

- **Group Presentations:** Approved non-profits can conduct group presentations to educate detainees on legal rights.

- **Self-Help Materials:** Detainees have access to law library materials to assist in self-representation.

### Checking Case Status

Friends and family can check immigration court case status by calling 1-800-898-7180. For cases appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), call (703) 605-1007.

## Additional Services and Standards at ICAF 

Beyond the programs covered above, ICAF Farmville provides various other services in adherence with national detention standards:

**Press and Media Interviews**

- News media interviews with detainees must be approved and coordinated through the ICE Office of Public Affairs: (202) 732-4242.

**Monitoring and Oversight**

- ICAF is subject to regular inspections by the ICE Office of Detention Oversight to ensure compliance.

- Detainees can also report concerns via the facility's grievance process.

**PREA Protections and Reporting** 

- The facility follows DHS PREA regulations to protect against sexual abuse and misconduct.

- Detainees can confidentially report incidents to the DHS/OIG hotline: (800) 323-8603

**FOIA Requests**

- Immigration records requests under the Freedom of Information Act must be submitted to ICE FOIA at [email protected] or mailed per instructions. 

**Complaints and Comments** 

- Complaints about ICAF staff or conditions can be submitted to the facility Director or ICE Office of Professional Responsibility.

**Human Rights Considerations**

- ICAF operates under ICE's Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center to protect against human rights violators.

## Maintaining Connections at ICAF Farmville 

Navigating visitation, phone calls, and other services at an immigration detention facility can be challenging. It is our hope that this guide provided helpful details and resources both for detainees and their loved ones. With open communication and care, we can make this difficult situation more bearable as cases are resolved.

## Frequently Asked Questions about ICAF Farmville

### Visitation and Communications

**What are the rules for visitation at ICAF Farmville?**

Visitation is allowed 7 days a week from 9AM-9PM. Rules vary by detainee classification level. Valid ID is required and visitors are subject to search on entry.

**Can I call a detainee at the facility?**

No. You can leave an urgent message by calling (434) 395-8114, Ext. 1000. Detainees can make calls by setting up a prepaid phone account. 

**How do I deposit money for a detainee's phone usage?** 

You can fund a prepaid phone account at accesscorrections.com or by calling Talton Communications at (866) 348-6231.

### Legal Assistance

**Where can I find an immigration lawyer to help with my family member's case?**

A list of pro bono legal aid organizations is posted at the facility. You can also search online for "immigration legal aid Virginia."

**How can I check the status of my family member's immigration court case?**

You can call the immigration court at 1-800-898-7180 to get case status details. 

**What if my family member's case gets appealed to the BIA?**

For BIA case details, you would call the BIA office at (703) 605-1007.

### Facility Operations

**Who provides medical services at the facility? Can I send medication?**

Armor Correctional Health Services staffs the medical clinic. Do not try to send any medications.

**What standards does ICAF Farmville operate under?**

Key standards include the ICE Performance-Based National Detention Standards 2011, ACA, NCCHC, and PREA.

**Where do I report complaints about staff misconduct?**

You can contact the facility Director or ICE Office of Professional Responsibility to file complaints.

What is an ICE Detention Center?

Men, women, and children that are in the United States illegally and are apprehended by the US Border Patrol or ICE will most likely be placed in removal proceedings and may be detained in one of the more than 200 jails and detention centers that make up ICE’s detention system.

Many of the illegal immigrants that are detained are held in county and local jails that contract with ICE to detain immigrants. The rest are held in dedicated immigration detention facilities run by ICE or contracted to private prison corporations, including family detention centers that hold mothers and children.

What Determines if an Illegal Immigrant gets Detained?

ICE will typically detain an immigrant because DHS (Homeland Security) believes that an illegal immigrant is either a “flight risk” and may move to another location within the U.S. or that they pose a public safety threat. Detaining the person allows the government to guarantee that the person will show up for their hearing before an Immigration Court.

Some of the reasons that causes an illegal immigrant to get arrested and held in detention prior to their day in court is as follows:

The illegal immigrant has:

• committed a crime, or multiple crimes
• arrived at the border without a visa prior to formally applying for asylum or refugee status
• an outstanding removal (deportation) order on record, either pending or past due, or
• missed prior immigration hearing dates.

 

How do you find someone that is in an ICE Detention Center?

The first step to finding out if an illegal immigrant is in ICE or DHS custody is by using the ICE Detainee Locator.

It’s easier to find the person if you have an Alien Number (A#), if one exists. A green card or work permit will show this number. If you don’t have an A# the person is much more difficult to locate.

The information you will need is as follows:

• the person’s full name as it appears in the ICE System. The exact spelling and the order of how the name is listed is required.
• the person’s date of birth
• the person’s country of birth

If you are having difficulty, try different spellings and the order of how the name is listed.

If the illegal immigrant was only recently detained, the ICE Detainee Locator may not be updated with the latest information. Keep in mind that ICE does not give information (online or over the phone) for people under 18 years of age. In such cases, you can only get information on them from the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office nearest you.

If the person you are looking for is not in an ICE Detention Center, they may have been taken to a local jail that contracts with ICE, so contact their local City and County Jail, all which can be found here.

Another option, short of the expense of hiring an Immigration Lawyer, is to go to this website and use their online form to get their help.

Once an illegal immigrant is located and you find out the facility where they are being held you need to find out the Deportation Officer that has been assigned to their case. The Officer can tell you how to call or visit the detainee, or pay for the detainee to be able to call you, or how you can send any needed items such as clothing, prescriptions, etc.

The last option, and the most expensive, is to hire an experienced immigration attorney to assist you in tracking down the Deportation Officer. If the person being detained requires specific medical care, an attorney can ensure that they receive that care.

If the detained illegal immigrant has been deported from America previously or has an outstanding removal order - in which case they have no right to see an immigration judge - they can be removed within a few days, or even hours, of the initial arrest.

Even if the government does not immediately remove the person, it is possible that they can be moved around to different Detention Centers. There is never a warning that a person is being moved around and during the transfer there is a complete blackout of any information.

How long are people held in ICE Immigration Detention Centers?

The time that an illegal immigrant is held in an ICE Detention Center can vary. It all depends on several factors such as the individual’s personal situation, criminal record, the severity of the crime they are being charged with, previous deportations and the current caseload that the Detention Center is dealing with.

This image portrays the most recent data available on the time a detained illegal immigrant remains in custody before their release and/or deportation.

Can you visit someone in ICE Detention Centers?

The short answer is yes. The person visiting an illegal immigrant in an ICE Detention Center must be lawfully present in the United States. In other words the visitor must have some form of currently valid immigration status at the time of the visit. A detention center or jail will not allow the visit unless visitor can show valid I.D. and offer proof that they are lawfully in the United States.

If you want to become a volunteer that visits illegal immigrants in order to offer emotional support, it may be possible. You can join one of these visitation networks by going here and contacting the network in your area.

What crimes can cause an illegal immigrant to be deported?

(The following information comes from Nolo.com, a trusted legal resource)

• Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude (see list). This includes any attempt or conspiracy to commit such a crime. It does not include crimes that were committed that the illegal immigrant committed when they were under the age of 18 years, however the person must have been released from jail more than five years before applying for a visa or other immigration benefit. It also does not include crimes for which the maximum penalty did not exceed one year in prison and the person was not, in fact, sentenced to more than six months in prison.
• Conviction or admission of a controlled substance violation, whether under U.S. or foreign law. This includes any conspiracy to commit such a crime.
• Convictions for two or more crimes (other than purely political ones) for which the prison sentences totaled at least five years. This multiple-offense ground of inadmissibility applies whether or not the convictions came from a single trial and whether or not the offenses arose from a single scheme of misconduct or involved moral turpitude.
• Conviction of or participation in (according to the reasonable belief of the U.S. government) controlled substance trafficking. This includes anyone who knowingly aided, abetted, assisted, conspired, or colluded in illicit drug trafficking. It also includes the spouse, son, or daughter of the inadmissible applicant if that person has, within the last five years, received any financial or other benefit from the illicit activities, and knew or reasonably should have known where the money or benefit came from.
• Having the purpose of engaging in prostitution or commercialized vice upon coming to the United States, or a history, within the previous ten years, of having engaged in prostitution.
• Procurement or attempted procurement or importation of prostitutes, directly or indirectly, or receipt of proceeds of prostitution, any of which occurred within the previous ten years.
• Assertion of immunity from prosecution after committing a serious criminal offense in the U.S., if the person was thus able to depart the U.S. and has not since submitted fully to the jurisdiction of the relevant U.S. Court.
• Commission of particularly severe violations of religious freedom while serving as a foreign government official.
• Commission of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking offenses, within or outside the U.S., or being a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with such a trafficker according to the knowledge or reasonable belief of the U.S. government. Also inadmissible are the spouse, son, or daughter the applicant if they, within the previous five years (but when older than children), received financial or other benefits from the illicit activity and knew or reasonably should have known that the money or other benefit came from the illicit activity.
• Conviction of an aggravated felony, if the person was removed from the U.S. and seeks to return (this ground of inadmissibility lasts for 20 years)
• Seeking to enter the U.S. to engage in money laundering, or a history of having laundered money, or having been (according to the knowledge of the U.S. government) a knowing aider, abettor, assister, conspirator, or colluder with money launderers.

These are the straightforward crimes that are mentioned in the immigration law. The statute also lists a number of security violations, such as involvement in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, Nazi persecution, totalitarian parties, and so forth.

Once an illegal immigrant is deported, how long before they can come back to the United States?

If an illegal immigrant has a deportation or removal order in their immigration file, it's possible that they won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. for five, ten, or even 20 years.

The applicable law comes from Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (I.N.A.).

Five-Year Ban: If they were summarily removed or deported upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry because they were found inadmissible, or if they came to the U.S. but were immediately put into removal proceedings and then removed or deported, they may be ineligible to return to the U.S. for five years. The five-year ban also applies if they failed to show up for their removal hearing in the United States.

Ten-Year Ban: If a ‘removal order’ was issued at the conclusion of their removal hearing in Immigration Court, they may not be able to return for ten years after their removal or departure.

Twenty-Year Ban: If they were convicted of an aggravated felony or have received more than one order of removal, they are barred from returning to the U.S. for 20 years. And if they entered without permission after having been removed, or illegally reentered the U.S. after having previously been in the U.S. unlawfully for more than one year, they may be barred from entering the United States for 20 years or permanently.