How do I confirm someone is at Karnes?
Search the ICE Online Detainee Locator at ice.gov/locator with the A-number and country of birth, or the exact name and country of birth. ICE says a result can be up to 8 hours old, so phone (830) 254-2000, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, with every name the person has used and their birth date. If nothing appears, call the San Antonio Field Office at (210) 283-4750. If the locator names another site, look it up in the ICE facility directory.
Which visiting day matches the housing unit?
Ask for the housing unit first. Since July 27, 2026, visiting runs 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Yellowstone Elm, Yellowstone Pine and Rainforest Cypress visit Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Redwood Oak, Redwood Cedar and Rainforest Willow visit Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. ICE says visits are limited to 1 hour a week, and elsewhere that sessions run a minimum of 1 hour, with more time possible for family traveling significant distances, so ask. Arrive 30 minutes before visitation ends. If you have a criminal record, were previously detained by ICE, or are in removal proceedings, notify the facility and get Facility Administrator approval first.
What gets a visitor turned away at Karnes?
Bring government photo ID, as ICE's locator brochure advises. The dress code starts at age 5: no flip flops, open-toed shoes or short shorts, for women no sheer clothing, bare midriffs or tube tops, for men no sleeveless shirts. Wallets, purses, diaper bags, sunglasses, hats, strollers, toys, photographs and paper money are contraband. You may carry a clear plastic bag or change purse, up to $10 in coins and one debit or credit card. For a baby, bring at most three diapers, wipes and two bottles or a sippy cup. Minors stay with a guardian aged 18 or older.
How do I send money or letters to Karnes?
ICE's page contradicts itself twice. Money orders and cashier's checks with the full name and A-number may go to 409 FM 1144, yet all money arriving by mail, money orders included, is returned. Cash may be deposited Monday through Friday except holidays, yet the lobby officer takes no cash; a lobby kiosk, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., accepts cash and cards. Weekend kiosk use is not stated. Confirm at (830) 254-2000 before acting. Put the last four digits of the A-number on letters. Tablet messages run through gettingout.com. Commissary and phone accounts go unmentioned, so ask an ICE officer.
Which court, and how does a lawyer visit?
The immigration court control list of October 1, 2026 uses the name Karnes County Residential Center and places it under the Pearsall Immigration Court. Check the actual case at 1-800-898-7180 or with the hearing lookup guide. Lawyers visit Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m. to noon. Video visits are booked through ERO eFile, at most 2 hours a day per representative. Case questions go to SNALegalAccess-Karnes@ice.dhs.gov. Release is covered in the bond hearing guide, the case itself under removal defense, and transfers in the Texas directory.