How do I confirm someone is at Otero?
Enter the A-number and country of birth at ice.gov/locator, or the exact name and country of birth. If nothing appears, the person may simply not be uploaded yet. Call (575) 824-0440 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with their first, last and hyphenated names, aliases and birth details, and ask for their ICE level, because it sets the visiting slot. The address on the ICE facility list is only a listing for this center in Chaparral, and a locator hit can be up to 8 hours old.
When are visits, by ICE level?
ICE's page, updated August 12, 2026, sets Saturday and Sunday slots: Medium High and High from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Low and Medium Low from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Restricted Housing from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ICE also lists weekday visitation from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., by request to the Warden and subject to room availability and security. A visit lasts one hour, though more time may be authorized for family travelling far. The limit of two adults and two children is read flexibly and has exceptions. Visits are non-contact.
What do I need to do on the day?
Arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled slot, since everyone goes through a pat-down, belongings check and metal scan. Adults need a valid government-issued ID, and anyone under 18 must stay with an adult at all times. Nothing can be carried into the visiting room or passed to the detainee. ICE lists public parking at the facility, with visitor spaces marked. EOIR gives this same street address for the Otero Immigration Court, Door #1. No source says which door family visitors use, so ask when you phone.
How do mail, money and messages work at Otero?
Letters need the last four digits of the A-number plus the sender's name and address, and are screened but not read. Packages need prior approval from the Warden at the facility address, and electronic devices are refused. ICE says mailed funds are placed on the person's account with a receipt, but warns against sending cash. It names no deposit company and gives no commissary or phone account steps, so ask the facility on (575) 824-0440 how to add funds. Non-confidential messages reach tablets through gettingout.com. The person cannot receive incoming calls, but the same number takes urgent messages.
Who can a family or lawyer contact about the case?
EOIR's list, updated October 1, 2026, names Otero under the Otero court, so confirm any date through this guide to finding a hearing or 1-800-898-7180. ICE's directory lists the El Paso office, covering New Mexico, at (915) 225-1901, while the facility page shows (915) 856-2317. To learn the deportation officer, a lawyer with a G-28 calls (915) 834-4800. Lawyers visit daily, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Virtual visits use the Socrates platform, not Zoom, Teams or Webex. Custody questions are covered in our bond hearing guide.