Weber County Correctional Facility

Weber County Correctional Facility Information

Overview of Weber County Correctional Facility

The Weber County Correctional Facility is located in Ogden, Utah and serves as the county jail for Weber County. With a total corrections area of 148,000 square feet, the facility houses 888 beds across 4 pods, 232 cells, and 424 dorm beds. The jail books around 15,000 individuals annually and employs approximately 220 corrections staff. The facility serves over 876,000 meals to inmates each year. Here are some key facts about the Weber County Correctional Facility:

- Total Corrections Area: 148,000 sq. ft.
- Total Number of Pods: 4  
- Cell Dimensions: 6' x 13'10"
- Total Number of Beds: 888
- Total Number of Cells: 232
- Total Number of Cell Beds: 464
- Total Number of Dorm Beds: 424 
- Annual Bookings: Around 15,000
- Total Corrections Staff: 220 Employees
- Meals Served Annually: Around 876,000

The jail also has a separate 300 bed facility called the Kiesel Facility, which was a $25 million construction project completed in 2019. This additional housing capacity helps accommodate the average daily population of around 800-900 inmates.

## Inmate Visitation Rules and Hours

The Weber County Correctional Facility provides visitation for inmates in accordance with strict rules and hours of operation:

- Inmates are allowed either one or two 25-minute video visitation appointments per week depending on classification level. Maximum security inmates receive one visit, while minimum security inmates receive two visits.
- Visitors must schedule appointments at least one day in advance, either in person at the jail lobby kiosk or online through the Securus video visitation system.
- Visiting hours vary by day based on inmate classification level. Maximum security visiting is Mon-Fri 1pm-3pm. Minimum security visiting is Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 3pm-8pm and Sat 10am-8pm.
- Only 3 visitors allowed per inmate at one time. Any more requires authorization from the Jail Commander.
- Adult visitors age 18+ must present valid government-issued photo ID. Minors may visit when accompanied by an approved adult visitor.
- All visitors are subject to search and must go through a background check. Visitors must follow dress code rules prohibiting revealing clothing.
- Visits may be denied or terminated for security reasons, violations of rules, inappropriate behavior, attire, and other reasons.

In additional to social visits, inmates may also have attorney and religious clergy visits with proper coordination and authorization.

## Inmate Communication Methods 

Inmates at Weber County Correctional Facility have various options to communicate with outside friends, family, clergy, attorneys, and others:

- **Mail** - Inmates may receive mail through the US Postal Service. Only postcards are allowed, no envelopes. No photos, stickers or stamps allowed either. Mail is addressed to the inmate's name and ID number.
- **Telephones** - Pre-paid and debit calls allowed from phones located in each housing unit. Calls are operated and managed by Securus Technologies. Friends/family can set up prepaid accounts.
- **Video Visitation** - 25-minute remote video visits can be scheduled online through Securus system.
- **Email** - Securus offers limited email capability for a per-message fee.
- **Inmate Trust Account** - Friends/family can deposit money for commissary, phone calls, etc. Done at jail lobby kiosk or through JailATM online system. Various fees are deducted.
- **Clergy Visits** - Approved clergy can schedule visits with proper verification and coordination.
- **Attorney Visits** - Private attorneys or appointed public defenders may visit inmates to discuss legal strategy.

This variety of communication options helps inmates maintain contact with outside support systems.

## Extensive Inmate Services and Programs Offered

The Weber County Jail aims to provide educational opportunities and support to inmates through an extensive array of services and programs, including:

### Education and Life Skills Programs:

- High School Equivalency (GED) Classes  
- Adult Continuing Education Courses
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Computer Literacy Classes
- Parenting Courses
- Financial Planning and Management
- Health Education
- Personal Development and Goal-Setting
- Basic Literacy

### Counseling and Therapy Programs:

- Drug and Alcohol Recovery Meetings (NA/AA)
- Religious Study and Services 
- Individual Religious Counseling
- Licensed Clinical Therapy and Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
- Domestic Violence Survivor Support Groups
- Anger Management Courses

### Vocational Training and Work Opportunities:

- Culinary Arts Program
- Facility Custodial and Landscaping 
- Laundry Services
- Library Operations
- Peer Mentorship Program

### Community Transition Services:

- Reentry Planning and Resume Writing
- Housing and Employment Assistance
- ID and Vital Documents Requisition
- Community Service Work Details
- Work Release Programs (court ordered)

This wide range of programming aims to foster rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. Inmates may participate based on classification level.

## Classification and Housing of Inmates 

The Weber County Jail uses a thorough classification process to determine appropriate housing for inmates:

- Initial Housing - All inmates start in the Reception and Orientation (R&O) unit after booking. They remain there through initial medical and security screening.

- Classification Interview - Within 72 hours, a Classification Officer interviews the inmate to gather information about behavior, criminal history, special needs, and other factors.

- Level Assignment - Inmates are assigned a security classification level from 1 (maximum security) to 6 (minimum security) based on the interview evaluation.

- Housing Determination - Each classification level corresponds to a particular housing unit. For example, levels 1-2 house in closed cell pods, while levels 5-6 may be in open dorms.

- Cell Assignments - One or two inmates are assigned per cell based on classification compatibility. Higher risk inmates are celled alone.

Proper classification and housing improve security and minimizes potential conflicts or violence between inmates. Housing assignments can be re-evaluated at a Classification Committee hearing if issues arise.

## Overview of Jail Layout and Components 

With a total area of 148,000 square feet, the Weber County Correctional Facility contains multiple components designed to house inmates safely and provide necessary services. Major areas include:

- **Central Security Control** - Main hub monitors jail complex through video surveillance, controls doors/locks

- **Booking/Intake Area** - 14 processing rooms to fingerprint, search, medically screen new inmates

- **Housing Pods** - 4 pods with 2 tiers each have cells and dorms. Classified by risk levels.

- **Medical Unit** - Exam rooms, dental suite, pharmacy to provide inmate healthcare 

- **Programs Area** - Classrooms, library, workshops, counseling rooms for education services

- **Laundry Facility** - Large-scale laundry for jail linens/uniforms 

- **Kitchen and Dining Hall** - Full-service kitchen provides about 876,000 meals per year 

- **Administration** - Offices for jail commanders, management, core support functions

- **Outdoor Recreation Yards** - Designated areas for fresh air time and exercise

The jail facility is designed to provide safe, secure housing and humane services to the inmate population. Different zones separate inmates based on classification status.

## Recent Expansions and Facility Upgrades

To meet growing inmate populations and replace aging infrastructure, the Weber County Correctional Facility has undergone major upgrades:

- **Kiesel Facility (2019)** - This new 300 bed facility provides additional minimum and medium security housing. It was a $25 million construction project completed in 2019.

- **Housing Unit Renovations (2015-2019)** - Existing housing pods A, B, and C were fully renovated with upgrades to cells, common areas, HVAC and electrical systems. Each pod renovation took 4-6 months to complete.

- **Medical Unit Expansion (2017-2018)** - The healthcare unit doubled in size with expanded exam rooms, a new dental suite, sterile medical rooms, and improved pharmacy storage. This ensures quality onsite medical care.

- **Recreation Yards (2016)** - Three new outdoor recreation yards were constructed, giving inmates designated areas for exercise and basketball. Access is scheduled by housing units.

- **Camera System Upgrade (2020)** - A new IP-based camera system now provides high definition surveillance monitoring with expanded coverage of inmate areas and detailed recording capabilities.

Along with these major upgrades, the jail also undertakes regular maintenance, renovations, and improvements each year to parts of the 24 year-old facility. This helps maintain safety, security and operations.

## Inmate Work Assignments and Community Release

Inmates who qualify based on their classification level may participate in facility work assignments or supervised community release programs:

- **Inmate Worker Assignments** - Inmates can apply for paid positions assisting with laundry, kitchen duties, cleaning, librarian, clerical tasks, peer mentoring, and other functions. These constructive work opportunities teach valuable skills.

- **Community Service Work Details** - Minimum security inmates may volunteer for supervised crews to provide labor for community service projects, like parks cleanup, under close officer supervision.

- **Work Release Program** - The court may authorize work release for minimum security inmates to continue employment at their existing jobs for up to 12 hours a day while housed at the jail at night. Strict rules and close monitoring apply.

Before participating in any of these programs, inmates must formally agree to follow all guidelines. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary sanctions or loss of privileges.

## Overview of Inmate Discipline and Sanctions 

The Weber County Jail maintains strict inmate discipline through the following process:

- A written code of conduct outlines prohibited behaviors and offenses, like fighting, theft, disrespect of staff, possession of contraband, etc. 

- Corrections officers can write up an inmate disciplinary report for alleged rule violations. This results in a disciplinary hearing.

- An independent Inmate Disciplinary Hearing Officer (IDHO) reviews evidence and testimony before deciding if the inmate is guilty of the charged misconduct. 

- If found guilty, the IDHO can issue sanctions like loss of privileges, restricted activity, extra work duties, punitive segregation, monetary restitution for damages, etc.

- Inmates have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions by the IDHO through a detailed grievance process.

- The jail seeks to impose fair, consistent sanctions for misconduct in accordance with progressive discipline standards and due process rights of inmates.

Maintaining obedience to facility policies allows the jail to operate safely and securely. Discipline aims to teach accountability and provide consequences for criminal thinking/behaviors.

# Conclusion

With 4 housing pods, 232 cells, 424 dorm beds and total capacity for 888 inmates, the Weber County Correctional Facility is a modern jail which can humanely accommodate the average daily population. A range of programs, services, communication options, and activities help inmates develop life skills for rehabilitation. Recent major upgrades and new construction have expanded medical facilities along with overall inmate capacity. The jail staff strive to maintain a safe, secure facility through proper classification, housing, discipline, training, and partnerships with community agencies. Ongoing improvements continue to enhance operations and conditions inside the jail.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is good time and how do inmates receive it?**

Good time is a credit towards an inmate's sentence awarded for good behavior and participation in programs. The jail may award up to 10 days credit for every 30 days served. Only judges can award additional good time.

**What are the qualifications for community release programs?**

The jail offers community service work details and court-ordered work release. Inmates must meet classification criteria and be approved by jail administration to participate. Strict rules and close monitoring apply. 

**Can the public tour the Weber County Correctional Facility?** 

Yes, tours are available by appointment for approved groups like schools, churches and civic organizations. Participants must be at least 14 years old and parental consent may be required. Tours are generally scheduled during evening hours.

**What is the process when an inmate is booked and released?**

During booking, staff explains the charges and bail amount. Inmates undergo intake processes like search, medial screening, photographs, etc. Before release, inmates are classified and housed appropriately. Release times depend on the type of release.

**What services and programs are available for inmates at the jail?**

A wide range of educational classes, vocational training, counseling, therapy, religious services, recreational activities, jobs, and community release programs are available to inmates based on classification level. Programs focus on rehabilitation.

Phone: 801-778-6700

Physical Address:
Weber County Correctional Facility
721 W. 12th Street
Ogden, UT 84401

Mailing Address (personal mail):
Inmate's Full Name & A-Number
Weber County Correctional Facility
721 W. 12th Street
Ogden, UT 84401

Other Jails and Prisons

Search Weber County Correctional Facility Inmates

Search Weber County Correctional Facility Inmates

How Do You Find Someone in the Weber County Correctional Facility?

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.


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.


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.


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:

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About the Weber County Correctional Facility

Overview of Weber County Correctional Facility

The Weber County Correctional Facility is located in Ogden, Utah and serves as the county jail for Weber County. With a total corrections area of 148,000 square feet, the facility houses 888 beds across 4 pods, 232 cells, and 424 dorm beds. The jail books around 15,000 individuals annually and employs approximately 220 corrections staff. The facility serves over 876,000 meals to inmates each year. Here are some key facts about the Weber County Correctional Facility:

- Total Corrections Area: 148,000 sq. ft.
- Total Number of Pods: 4  
- Cell Dimensions: 6' x 13'10"
- Total Number of Beds: 888
- Total Number of Cells: 232
- Total Number of Cell Beds: 464
- Total Number of Dorm Beds: 424 
- Annual Bookings: Around 15,000
- Total Corrections Staff: 220 Employees
- Meals Served Annually: Around 876,000

The jail also has a separate 300 bed facility called the Kiesel Facility, which was a $25 million construction project completed in 2019. This additional housing capacity helps accommodate the average daily population of around 800-900 inmates.

## Inmate Visitation Rules and Hours

The Weber County Correctional Facility provides visitation for inmates in accordance with strict rules and hours of operation:

- Inmates are allowed either one or two 25-minute video visitation appointments per week depending on classification level. Maximum security inmates receive one visit, while minimum security inmates receive two visits.
- Visitors must schedule appointments at least one day in advance, either in person at the jail lobby kiosk or online through the Securus video visitation system.
- Visiting hours vary by day based on inmate classification level. Maximum security visiting is Mon-Fri 1pm-3pm. Minimum security visiting is Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri 3pm-8pm and Sat 10am-8pm.
- Only 3 visitors allowed per inmate at one time. Any more requires authorization from the Jail Commander.
- Adult visitors age 18+ must present valid government-issued photo ID. Minors may visit when accompanied by an approved adult visitor.
- All visitors are subject to search and must go through a background check. Visitors must follow dress code rules prohibiting revealing clothing.
- Visits may be denied or terminated for security reasons, violations of rules, inappropriate behavior, attire, and other reasons.

In additional to social visits, inmates may also have attorney and religious clergy visits with proper coordination and authorization.

## Inmate Communication Methods 

Inmates at Weber County Correctional Facility have various options to communicate with outside friends, family, clergy, attorneys, and others:

- **Mail** - Inmates may receive mail through the US Postal Service. Only postcards are allowed, no envelopes. No photos, stickers or stamps allowed either. Mail is addressed to the inmate's name and ID number.
- **Telephones** - Pre-paid and debit calls allowed from phones located in each housing unit. Calls are operated and managed by Securus Technologies. Friends/family can set up prepaid accounts.
- **Video Visitation** - 25-minute remote video visits can be scheduled online through Securus system.
- **Email** - Securus offers limited email capability for a per-message fee.
- **Inmate Trust Account** - Friends/family can deposit money for commissary, phone calls, etc. Done at jail lobby kiosk or through JailATM online system. Various fees are deducted.
- **Clergy Visits** - Approved clergy can schedule visits with proper verification and coordination.
- **Attorney Visits** - Private attorneys or appointed public defenders may visit inmates to discuss legal strategy.

This variety of communication options helps inmates maintain contact with outside support systems.

## Extensive Inmate Services and Programs Offered

The Weber County Jail aims to provide educational opportunities and support to inmates through an extensive array of services and programs, including:

### Education and Life Skills Programs:

- High School Equivalency (GED) Classes  
- Adult Continuing Education Courses
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Computer Literacy Classes
- Parenting Courses
- Financial Planning and Management
- Health Education
- Personal Development and Goal-Setting
- Basic Literacy

### Counseling and Therapy Programs:

- Drug and Alcohol Recovery Meetings (NA/AA)
- Religious Study and Services 
- Individual Religious Counseling
- Licensed Clinical Therapy and Counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
- Domestic Violence Survivor Support Groups
- Anger Management Courses

### Vocational Training and Work Opportunities:

- Culinary Arts Program
- Facility Custodial and Landscaping 
- Laundry Services
- Library Operations
- Peer Mentorship Program

### Community Transition Services:

- Reentry Planning and Resume Writing
- Housing and Employment Assistance
- ID and Vital Documents Requisition
- Community Service Work Details
- Work Release Programs (court ordered)

This wide range of programming aims to foster rehabilitation and successful community reintegration. Inmates may participate based on classification level.

## Classification and Housing of Inmates 

The Weber County Jail uses a thorough classification process to determine appropriate housing for inmates:

- Initial Housing - All inmates start in the Reception and Orientation (R&O) unit after booking. They remain there through initial medical and security screening.

- Classification Interview - Within 72 hours, a Classification Officer interviews the inmate to gather information about behavior, criminal history, special needs, and other factors.

- Level Assignment - Inmates are assigned a security classification level from 1 (maximum security) to 6 (minimum security) based on the interview evaluation.

- Housing Determination - Each classification level corresponds to a particular housing unit. For example, levels 1-2 house in closed cell pods, while levels 5-6 may be in open dorms.

- Cell Assignments - One or two inmates are assigned per cell based on classification compatibility. Higher risk inmates are celled alone.

Proper classification and housing improve security and minimizes potential conflicts or violence between inmates. Housing assignments can be re-evaluated at a Classification Committee hearing if issues arise.

## Overview of Jail Layout and Components 

With a total area of 148,000 square feet, the Weber County Correctional Facility contains multiple components designed to house inmates safely and provide necessary services. Major areas include:

- **Central Security Control** - Main hub monitors jail complex through video surveillance, controls doors/locks

- **Booking/Intake Area** - 14 processing rooms to fingerprint, search, medically screen new inmates

- **Housing Pods** - 4 pods with 2 tiers each have cells and dorms. Classified by risk levels.

- **Medical Unit** - Exam rooms, dental suite, pharmacy to provide inmate healthcare 

- **Programs Area** - Classrooms, library, workshops, counseling rooms for education services

- **Laundry Facility** - Large-scale laundry for jail linens/uniforms 

- **Kitchen and Dining Hall** - Full-service kitchen provides about 876,000 meals per year 

- **Administration** - Offices for jail commanders, management, core support functions

- **Outdoor Recreation Yards** - Designated areas for fresh air time and exercise

The jail facility is designed to provide safe, secure housing and humane services to the inmate population. Different zones separate inmates based on classification status.

## Recent Expansions and Facility Upgrades

To meet growing inmate populations and replace aging infrastructure, the Weber County Correctional Facility has undergone major upgrades:

- **Kiesel Facility (2019)** - This new 300 bed facility provides additional minimum and medium security housing. It was a $25 million construction project completed in 2019.

- **Housing Unit Renovations (2015-2019)** - Existing housing pods A, B, and C were fully renovated with upgrades to cells, common areas, HVAC and electrical systems. Each pod renovation took 4-6 months to complete.

- **Medical Unit Expansion (2017-2018)** - The healthcare unit doubled in size with expanded exam rooms, a new dental suite, sterile medical rooms, and improved pharmacy storage. This ensures quality onsite medical care.

- **Recreation Yards (2016)** - Three new outdoor recreation yards were constructed, giving inmates designated areas for exercise and basketball. Access is scheduled by housing units.

- **Camera System Upgrade (2020)** - A new IP-based camera system now provides high definition surveillance monitoring with expanded coverage of inmate areas and detailed recording capabilities.

Along with these major upgrades, the jail also undertakes regular maintenance, renovations, and improvements each year to parts of the 24 year-old facility. This helps maintain safety, security and operations.

## Inmate Work Assignments and Community Release

Inmates who qualify based on their classification level may participate in facility work assignments or supervised community release programs:

- **Inmate Worker Assignments** - Inmates can apply for paid positions assisting with laundry, kitchen duties, cleaning, librarian, clerical tasks, peer mentoring, and other functions. These constructive work opportunities teach valuable skills.

- **Community Service Work Details** - Minimum security inmates may volunteer for supervised crews to provide labor for community service projects, like parks cleanup, under close officer supervision.

- **Work Release Program** - The court may authorize work release for minimum security inmates to continue employment at their existing jobs for up to 12 hours a day while housed at the jail at night. Strict rules and close monitoring apply.

Before participating in any of these programs, inmates must formally agree to follow all guidelines. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary sanctions or loss of privileges.

## Overview of Inmate Discipline and Sanctions 

The Weber County Jail maintains strict inmate discipline through the following process:

- A written code of conduct outlines prohibited behaviors and offenses, like fighting, theft, disrespect of staff, possession of contraband, etc. 

- Corrections officers can write up an inmate disciplinary report for alleged rule violations. This results in a disciplinary hearing.

- An independent Inmate Disciplinary Hearing Officer (IDHO) reviews evidence and testimony before deciding if the inmate is guilty of the charged misconduct. 

- If found guilty, the IDHO can issue sanctions like loss of privileges, restricted activity, extra work duties, punitive segregation, monetary restitution for damages, etc.

- Inmates have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions by the IDHO through a detailed grievance process.

- The jail seeks to impose fair, consistent sanctions for misconduct in accordance with progressive discipline standards and due process rights of inmates.

Maintaining obedience to facility policies allows the jail to operate safely and securely. Discipline aims to teach accountability and provide consequences for criminal thinking/behaviors.

# Conclusion

With 4 housing pods, 232 cells, 424 dorm beds and total capacity for 888 inmates, the Weber County Correctional Facility is a modern jail which can humanely accommodate the average daily population. A range of programs, services, communication options, and activities help inmates develop life skills for rehabilitation. Recent major upgrades and new construction have expanded medical facilities along with overall inmate capacity. The jail staff strive to maintain a safe, secure facility through proper classification, housing, discipline, training, and partnerships with community agencies. Ongoing improvements continue to enhance operations and conditions inside the jail.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What is good time and how do inmates receive it?**

Good time is a credit towards an inmate's sentence awarded for good behavior and participation in programs. The jail may award up to 10 days credit for every 30 days served. Only judges can award additional good time.

**What are the qualifications for community release programs?**

The jail offers community service work details and court-ordered work release. Inmates must meet classification criteria and be approved by jail administration to participate. Strict rules and close monitoring apply. 

**Can the public tour the Weber County Correctional Facility?** 

Yes, tours are available by appointment for approved groups like schools, churches and civic organizations. Participants must be at least 14 years old and parental consent may be required. Tours are generally scheduled during evening hours.

**What is the process when an inmate is booked and released?**

During booking, staff explains the charges and bail amount. Inmates undergo intake processes like search, medial screening, photographs, etc. Before release, inmates are classified and housed appropriately. Release times depend on the type of release.

**What services and programs are available for inmates at the jail?**

A wide range of educational classes, vocational training, counseling, therapy, religious services, recreational activities, jobs, and community release programs are available to inmates based on classification level. Programs focus on rehabilitation.

⇓ Learn more ⇓ Show less
Directions / Map to the Weber County Correctional Facility
Understanding US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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.

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This facility, known as "Weber County Correctional Facility" is also known as ICE Detention Facility, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.