Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center

If you need information about a detainee that is housed at this facility, you may call (661) 859-1028 menu option 2 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. When you call, please have the individual’s biographical information ready, including first, last and hyphenated names, any aliases he or she may use, date of birth and country of birth.

Detainees cannot receive incoming calls. If you need to get in touch with a detainee to leave an urgent message, you must call (661) 859-1028 Ext. 101 and leave the detainee’s full name, alien registration number and your name and telephone number where you can be reached. The detainee will be given your message.

Immigration Court

For information about a matter before the immigration court, you may call 1-800-898-7180 to speak with them directly. Applications for relief from removal and other applications requested by the immigration judge must be filed directly with the immigration court.

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

For information about a matter before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), you may call (703) 605-1007 where you can obtain automated information or speak with a live representative during office hours.

Click the link for a list of pro bono representatives nationwide who might be able to assist you.

To Post a Delivery Bond

Delivery bonds are posted when a person has been taken into ICE custody and placed into removal proceedings while in the United States. The person posting the bond must show proof of identity (valid Government-issued photo identification, passport, military ID, LPR card, driver’s license, etc.). This person (the obligor) is responsible for ensuring that the alien presents them self before an officer or representative of this agency whenever a request is made.

Bonds for aliens detained by ICE may be posted at ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nationwide, Monday through Friday (except public holidays) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., local time. For a list of ICE ERO bond acceptance offices nearest you or for bond information, click here. You must have the last name of the detainee and alien registration number before calling. Acceptable forms of payment to post a bond are money orders, cashier’s checks or certified checks. For all bonds $10,000 and over, the only accepted method of payment is a single cashier or certified check. Payments must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” or “Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

Sending Non-Confidential Messages to Detained Noncitizens

This facility has tablets. You can access information on how to send a non-confidential message at: www.gettingout.com.

Other Legal Access Related Communications

Requests for case information pertaining to noncitizens detained at the Golden State Annex may be sent to SFR Outreach email, SanFrancisco.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov. Please note that this mailbox does not accept applications for Stay of Removal or Case Appeals.

Contacting the Deportation Officer

To ascertain the identity of your client’s Deportation Officer, contact the San Francisco Field Office to obtain that information at the San Francisco Outreach email, SanFrancisco.Outreach@ice.dhs.gov. Please note that a G-28 must be on file for any information to be disclosed.

Submitting a G-28

G-28s filed on behalf of detained non-citizens at this facility can now be accepted through the online platform ERO eFile. Facility staff will not have access to ERO eFile at this time; legal representatives should download copies of their submitted G-28 for any in-person or remote legal visit.

To ensure adequate time to process visitors through security, all visitors may arrive at any time but are advised to check in no later than thirty (30) minutes prior to the close of visitation. Visitation closes at 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. on weekends. Extended time past the close of visitation is not permitted regardless of the time visitors arrive. Visits will be allowed for one (1) hour: however, a detainee may request extra time via detainee request.

Adult visitors must present a valid, verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility.

Visits shall not exceed 60 minutes.

No more than two (2) visitors per visit.

Minors who are visiting the facility must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older). Minors must not be left unaccompanied in the waiting room, visiting room or any other area.

Facility Dress Code

• Shorts and pants shall cover customarily covered areas of the anatomy, including the buttocks and crotch area, when standing and/or sitting. Shorts will be no higher than mid-thigh when seated. Short-shorts, jogging shorts, cut-offs, and other obviously inappropriate short garments are prohibited.
• Undergarments will remain covered at all times.
• Skirts and dresses shall extend to mid-thigh, while seated.
• Slits in skirts and dresses shall rise no higher than mid-thigh, while seated.
• Sheer (see-through), leggings, overly tight (i.e. spandex), or transparent clothing is prohibited.
• The top of clothing shall be no lower than the underarm in front and back. Bare midriffs, strapless tops, low cut tube tops, and swimsuits are prohibited.
• Shirts shall be worn at all times. Muscle shirts and sleeveless shirts are prohibited.
• Shoes shall be worn at all times.
• Gang “colors” and other gang displays are prohibited.
• Hats, beanie’s and hoods from a jacket or sweater may not be worn in visiting or court. Special consideration is given to religious head dressings (i.e. Kippah, Yarmulke, Taqiyah, Turban, Rasta cap, veiling, or hijab). However, visitors may be asked to remove their head dressing for visual inspection for contraband. This inspection, if requested by the visitor, will be conducted by a member of the same sex as the visitor and conducted in a reasonably private location

Attorney Visits

Legal representatives of detainees are authorized to visit their clients during the following hours:

Attorneys may visit their clients Monday through Friday from 12:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Advance notice is appreciated in order to ensure a more precise time for the attorney visit. Please call (661) 589-1028 to make a reservation.

A list of pro bono (free) legal organizations will be posted in all detainee housing units and other appropriate areas. This list shall be updated quarterly. If a detainee wishes to see a representative or paralegal from that organization, it is the detainee’s responsibility to contact them for an appointment.

Virtual Attorney Visitation Program

Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center is able to offer the Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) program. Please note, VAV does not substitute for in-person meetings, but it does provide an alternative for attorneys to communicate with clients. Legal representatives may request VAV meetings with their clients or prospective clients by email at mvipcattorney@geogroup.com. Facility personnel will email or call back with a confirmed date and time. Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center supports Zoom for all virtual attorney client visits. Please see the flyer for details.

The email should include:

• Legal representative’s full name.
• Legal representative’s contact information, including phone number(s), email address, and conference call ID.
• Non-citizen’s name.
• Non-citizen’s immigration file number.
• A few proposed times/dates for the requested VAV session.
• A scan of the legal representative’s government issued identification.
• A scan of the legal representative’s identification or documentation reflecting their status as an active legal representative, such as a state bar card, attorney license, paralegal license, or similar legal status.
• A scan of the attorney’s DHS Form G-28 (unless this is a pre-representational).
• If a legal assistant is the only legal representative to join the call, the email should also attach a letter of authorization on the firm’s/organization’s letterhead and a scan of the assistant’s identification.

All appointments for VAV meetings should be made 24 hours prior to the desired appointment time. Excluding holidays, appointments are scheduled and conducted Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Pacific Time) and are in 30 to 60-minute increments based on demand. Legal representatives are not limited on the number of VAV appointments they can request, but no legal representative is permitted more than one 60-minute appointment with a non-citizen in a single day.

Only legal representatives, legal assistants, and interpreters will be allowed; no family or friends of the clients are permitted. The attorney and/or his/her agents may contact outside interpretation services during the call or session. The purpose for VAV meetings is to provide remote, confidential legal visits; a visitation officer will be stationed outside of the confidential room to ensure security by standing out of the room. The officer will knock five (5) minutes before the cut off time.

For additional information about the VAV process, please call (661) 859-1028 ext 142.

Please be advised that attorneys and their staff are not permitted to video or audio record during any virtual or on-site visit, or call with detainees at the facility. Any violation of this rule may result in suspension or a permanent revocation of VAV usage privileges.

Electronic Exchange of Legal Documentation

When timely communication through the mail is not possible, the facility administrator may, in his or her discretion, allow for a reasonable amount of communication between the legal representative and their detained noncitizen client.

For faxes sent by legal representatives to noncitizens:

• The following fax number may be used to receive and transmit legal paperwork: (661) 852-0128.
• Legal representatives transmitting documents must include a cover sheet containing the name of sender, the name of the Law Office, the address, the name and identification number of the detained noncitizen, the sender’s return fax number, the number of pages and the date.
• Incoming faxes will be placed in a sealed envelope with the noncitizen's name and A# written on the outside. The documents will be inspected for contraband but not read. The legal mail will be delivered to the noncitizen. All facsimile legal electronic communication requests will be processed during normal business hours Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The transmission verification report which indicates that the fax was successfully sent will be maintained and filed by staff and a copy provided to the noncitizen.

For faxes sent by detainees to legal representatives:

• A noncitizen can submit an electronic request to the library technician to request fax services.
• The library technician will assist the noncitizen with fax services.

Consular Visits

Consular officials may meet with their detained nationals at any time. It is requested that prior arrangements be made with the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer to the extent possible, and that consular officials bring appropriate credentials when they come to the facility. The ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer for this facility can be reached at (661) 328-4500.

Clergy Visits

Clergy may visit detainees at any time, but must make prior arrangements with the Chaplain’s Office at (661) 859-1028.

Visiting Restrictions

• No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted in the facility.
• If visitors are or appear to be intoxicated, visitation will not be allowed.
• All visitors are subject to search while in the facility.
• Visitors are not allowed to pass or attempt to pass any items to detainees.
• Visitors are not allowed to carry any items into the visitation area.

Search Procedures (prior to or during all visitations)

All individuals requesting admittance to the facility or the visitation area are subject to a pat-down search of their person, an inspection of their belongings, and a metal scan search. Individuals refusing to cooperate with a reasonable search will not be admitted. No firearms or weapons of any kind are permitted. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios, etc.) are permitted in the secure areas of this facility.

Letters sent to detainees must include the last four digits of the detainee’s A-number (File Number), plus the sender’s name and address. To enhance the safety of the facility, all incoming mail is subject to screening for contraband. The mail is not read upon opening, only inspected by the delivering officer. Detainees may send mail from the facility. Detainees may seal their outgoing letters and place them in the provided receptacle. All incoming mail will be delivered to the detainee, and outgoing mail will be routed to the proper postal office within 24 hours of receipt by facility staff. A mail pick-up and delivery schedule is posted in all housing units.

Detainees are allowed to purchase stamps for use. Generally, there is no limit to the amount of correspondence detainees may send at their own expense. Indigent detainees (those who have no means of financial support and no funds in their facility account) will be provided postage allowance at government expense.

Cash in possession of a detainee, at the time of his arrival to the facility, will be deposited/receipted to his trust account. Visitors may also deposit cash, only, at the facility, Monday through Friday – excluding holidays. All monies (cash, check, money order) arriving at the facility, via mail, will be returned to the sender. To deposit money to a detainee’s trust account, send money orders and cashier’s checks, only, to:

Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center
Detainee’s full name and A-number
425 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Note: Cashier’s check or money order must include the detainee’s full name and A-number.

A detainee may receive items that are determined to be of necessity for the sole purpose of travel or release from agency custody with approval of the ICE Deportation Officer. Before sending packages to detainees, contact the facility mail clerk at:

(661) 859-1028
Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center
425 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Note that detainees being removed from the United States are allowed one small piece of luggage. If a detainee does not have such baggage, such luggage can be sent/delivered after receiving approval from Supervisory Deportation Officer. Please be advised that for security reasons, no electronic devices (cell phones, electric razors, laptop computers, radios, etc.) will be accepted.

If detainees receive funds in the mail, they will be taken to the processing area for the money to be placed into their account. The processing officer will provide a receipt for all funds received. Detainees are cautioned not to have cash sent to them in the mail.

A detainee may receive items that are determined to be of necessity for the sole purpose of travel or release from agency custody with approval of the ICE Deportation Officer who can be contacted at (661) 328-4500, menu option 2. Before sending packages to detainees,

Contact the Property Officer

GEO – Mesa Verde Detention Facility
425 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Note that detainees being removed from the United States are allowed one small piece of luggage. If a detainee does not have such baggage, such luggage can be sent/delivered after receiving approval from Supervisory Deportation Officer, who can be contacted at (661) 328-4500, menu option 2. Please be advised that for security reasons, no electronic devices (cell phones, electric razors, laptop computers, radios, etc.) will be accepted.

The facility has a responsibility to protect the privacy and other rights of detainees and members of the staff. Therefore, interviews will be regulated to ensure the orderly and safe operation of the facility. Ordinarily, live television or radio interviews will not be permitted in the facility. For media inquiries about ICE activities, operations, or policies, contact the ICE Office of Public Affairs at ICEMedia@ice.dhs.gov.

Personal Interviews

A news media representative who desires to conduct an interview with a detainee must apply in writing to the San Francisco Field Office, Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations, indicating familiarity with and agreement to comply with the rules and regulations of the facility as provided to that person by staff.

Detainee Consent

A detainee has the right not to be interviewed, photographed, or recorded by the media. Before interviewing, photographing, or recording the voice of a detainee, a visiting representative of the media must obtain written permission from that individual.

All FOIA and Privacy Act requests must be submitted on form G-639 (Freedom of Information / Privacy Act Request) or in letter format. All requests must contain the original, notarized signature of the subject in question. Please complete the form G-639 thoroughly and if writing a letter, be sure to include the full name, any other names used, date of birth, place of birth, A-number of the alien you are seeking information about, as well as your full name, address, and telephone number, so that we may contact you if we have any questions.

Mail your FOIA or Privacy Act request to:

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Freedom of Information Act Office
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Room 585
Washington, D.C. 20536
Phone – 1-866-633-1182
Email – ICE-FOIA@dhs.gov

We strive to provide quality service to people in our custody, their family, friends, and to their official representatives. If you believe that we have not lived up to this commitment, we would like to know. If we have met or exceeded your expectations, please let us know that as well. To comment on the services provided at this office, please write to:

Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
630 Sansome Street, Room 590
San Francisco, CA 94111

If you feel that an ICE employee or contract services employee mistreated you and wish to make a complaint of misconduct, you may:

Contact the Field Office Director:

Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
630 Sansome Street, Room 590
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 844-5512

Write the Office of Professional Responsibility:

Director, Office of Professional Responsibility
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
500 12th Street, SW
Suite 1049
Mailstop 5099
Washington, DC 20536-5005

Contact the ICE OPR Integrity Coordination Center (ICC):

1-833-4ICE-OPR
ICEOPRIntake@ice.dhs.gov

You may also contact the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General:

DHS Office of Inspector General
Attn: Office of Investigations - Hotline
245 Murray Drive, Building 410 Stop: 2600
Washington, DC 20528
Call: 1-800-323-8603
Fax: 202-254-4292
DHSOIGHOTLINE@DHS.GOV