How do I find out whether someone is at North Lake?
Unlike several county jails under the Detroit office, this facility takes detainee inquiries itself: ICE lists (231) 876-4900, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Before calling, run the ICE Online Detainee Locator with the A-number and country of birth, or the exact name and country. The A-number is nine digits and sits at the top right of the Notice to Appear. Locator records can be 8 hours old. North Lake, in Baldwin, is on the ICE facility list, which does not name who is held.
How does the rotating visiting schedule work?
ICE's page, updated August 27, 2026, publishes a 5-week rotation across Thursday through Monday, with blocks such as 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. It does not say which week is current, so ask. Slots depend on housing unit and classification, not the unit letter alone, because A and B units are split by classification. Women and men visit on separate days. Get the unit and classification first, then call (231) 876-4900 to schedule. Visits run at least 30 minutes based on availability and no more than 90, and family visits are non-contact.
What should I wear and bring to Baldwin?
No visitor may wear jackets, camouflage, leggings, pajamas, sweat suits or sweatpants, tight clothing, or clothing with holes. From age 12, shorts, hats, caps and hoodies are also barred. Women may not wear open-toed shoes or sheer clothing, and men may not wear sleeveless shirts. No gum, food, mints, phones or smart watches. Bags and wallets stay out; bring no more than $20.00 or a debit card in a clear bag. Strollers and diaper bags are barred, but one diaper, wipes and one bottle are allowed for an infant. Bring government photo ID. Up to 4 visitors; under 18 needs a parent or guardian.
How do I send money, messages and mail?
Money cannot be handed over directly. Deposit it by calling 1-866-345-1884 or through AccessCorrections online, and do not mail cash. Calls cannot come in, and staff take messages unless there is a verifiable emergency. Non-confidential tablet messages run through GlobalTel at globaltel.com, so this is a different vendor from the deposit service. Letters need the last 4 digits of the A-number and your name and address. Incoming mail is screened for contraband but not read, and outgoing mail reaches the post office within 24 hours.
How do lawyers reach someone here, and what about court?
Legal representatives may visit 7 days a week, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., scheduling at 135attorneyvisits@geogroup.com. ICE lists (231) 876-4900 for legal calls, but since August 31, 2026, video and confidential phone appointments go through ICE's ERO eFile. The Michigan field office line is (313) 771-6601. ICE's page names no court, and EOIR's control list, updated October 1, 2026, omits North Lake, so find the hearing from the notice or 1-800-898-7180. See the bond hearing guide; our removal defense page explains court representation.