How do I check whether someone is at El Valle?
Enter the A-number and country of birth, or first and last name and country of birth, in the locator at ice.gov/locator, exactly as the detention record spells them. ICE's page, updated August 12, 2026, then gives (956) 689-9999 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Try every spelling and alias. Ask which housing unit applies, because that decides the visiting day. If you find nothing, the facility page prints (956) 547-1700 for the Harlingen office; ICE's directory prints (956) 389-7884. The ICE facility list shows this Raymondville site, not who is there.
Which day can I visit each housing unit?
ICE's grid assigns one day per building group. Sunday is A1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and A2 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday follows that pattern for B1 and B2, Tuesday for C1 and C2, and Wednesday for D1 and D2. Thursday is Echo and Friday is Fox, each from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday splits Zulu: Front from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., Middle from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Back from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes early for security.
How long is a visit, and what should I wear?
ICE's page contradicts itself: one line says visits should last no less than 1 hour, another that they shall not exceed 30 minutes. Ask before a long trip. Visits are non-contact. The dress code covers visitors aged 12 and older. Everyone: shorts no higher than mid-thigh, shoes except infants, no gang colors. Men: no muscle, sleeveless or bare-midriff shirts. Women: skirts and slits no higher than mid-thigh when seated, nothing sheer, necklines no lower than the underarm, and no bare midriffs, halter, tube or strapless tops, or swimsuits. Bring valid government-issued identification.
How do letters, money and packages reach El Valle?
Letters here must show the A-number itself, plus the sender's name and return address. Mail is screened but not read. Money that arrives by mail goes into the account with a receipt, and ICE warns against mailing cash. The page names no online deposit service, commissary procedure or phone account, and MTC's facility page sends readers back to ICE. Before sending a package, contact the mailroom at (956) 689-9999, extension 426. Only items for travel or release qualify, with deportation officer approval, and no electronic devices.
How do lawyers reach someone, and which court applies?
Attorneys and paralegals may visit 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Video visits and legal calls are booked in ERO eFile, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through the Socrates platform, because ICE says Teams, Webex and Zoom are not supported. Exigent requests go to EVDF.Court@mtctrains.com. With a G-28 on file, (956) 547-1800 gives the deportation officer's name. ICE names no court here, so use our hearing lookup guide. Bond hearing questions and other ICE sites in Texas are covered separately.