Understanding the Immigration Center El Paso: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the immigration process can be confusing and stressful. This guide aims to clarify procedures and expectations regarding the El Paso Service Processing Center (EPSPC) and the El Paso Application Support Center (ASC), two key facilities handling various aspects of immigration in El Paso, Texas.

El Paso Service Processing Center (EPSPC) Visitation Policies

The El Paso Service Processing Center is a detention facility where individuals undergoing immigration proceedings may be held. Understanding visitation policies is crucial for family members, legal representatives, and consular officials.

The EPSPC strictly regulates visits, categorizing them into distinct groups with specific rules and procedures. Family and friends face more limited access compared to legal counsel.

Visiting Friends and Family at the Immigration Center El Paso

Visits from friends and family are limited to specific hours and days. These are non-contact visits, meaning no physical interaction is allowed. Visitors must adhere to a strict schedule:

• Mondays – Fridays: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Each visit is limited to one hour. All adult visitors must present valid government-issued identification, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Scheduling is done via phone at (915) 225-0700/0717, where you will be informed of your assigned visitation day. Remember that all family visits are non-contact.

The facility enforces strict security protocols, including pat-downs, bag inspections, and metal detectors. No personal items are allowed in the visitation area, and visitors cannot pass any items to detainees.

Attorney and Paralegal Access to the Immigration Center El Paso

Attorneys have significantly more flexible access to their clients at the EPSPC. They can visit seven days a week, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Paralegals have access Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and weekends/holidays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. A list of pro bono legal organizations is available within the facility to assist those who cannot afford legal representation.

The center also offers virtual attorney visits (VAV) via email at ELPASO_EPC_VAV@ice.dhs.gov. This option requires a 24-hour advance notice and includes the attorney's and detainee's information, proposed times, and copies of identification and legal credentials (including DHS Form G-28 if applicable). These virtual visits utilize the Socrates 360 platform and are limited to legal representatives, assistants, and interpreters. Only one 60-minute session per detainee per day is allowed.

Visits by Consular Officials and Clergy

Consular officials and clergy members enjoy more flexible access. While encouraged to schedule visits in advance, they are permitted to meet with detainees at any time. Consular officials should contact the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at (915) 225-0700/0717 to schedule a visit. Clergy members should contact the Chaplain's Office to arrange their visits.

Security Protocols at the Immigration Center El Paso

Security at the EPSPC is paramount. All visitors must cooperate fully with security procedures, which include:

• Pat-down searches: Physical searches are conducted on all visitors.
• Inspection of belongings: All bags and personal items are thoroughly inspected.
• Metal detection scans: Visitors pass through metal detectors to screen for weapons.

No weapons or electronic devices are permitted in the secure areas. Visitors found to be intoxicated will be denied entry. Refusal to cooperate with any of these searches will result in denial of entry. The facility's phone number for general inquiries is (915) 225-1941.

El Paso Application Support Center (ASC)

The El Paso ASC serves a different purpose than the EPSPC. It's an Application Support Center (ASC) where applicants for immigration benefits have their biometrics (fingerprints, photos, and electronic signatures) collected. Appointments are scheduled by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the case processing and are communicated to the applicant via mail or their USCIS online account.

Attendance at the scheduled appointment is mandatory. Failure to appear can result in application denial.

Scheduling and Rescheduling Appointments at the El Paso ASC

Rescheduling is possible for "good cause" before the appointment time. Applicants should submit their requests through the USCIS online account (at least 12 hours prior) or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). Should the ASC be closed on the day of the appointment, USCIS will automatically reschedule and notify the applicant.

Applicants should bring their appointment notice and a valid photo ID to their appointment. The ASC is located at:

Take I-10 to Yarborough Drive, merge onto Gateway Boulevard toward Yarborough Drive, head north on Yarborough Drive, and turn right onto Montwood Drive. The ASC is on the right. The center is accessible to people with disabilities. However, information on parking and public transportation is not readily available through USCIS.

Services Not Provided by the El Paso ASC

It is important to note that the El Paso ASC does not accept direct application filings or provide case-related services. For case inquiries, status updates, or other assistance, applicants should contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The ASC is primarily for biometric collection.

El Paso Service Processing Center (EPSPC) - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the El Paso Service Processing Center (EPSPC):

What are the visitation hours for friends and family?

Friends and family visits are non-contact and last one hour. Visiting hours are Mondays through Fridays from 6 PM to 9 PM, and Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11 AM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 9 PM. You must schedule a visit in advance by calling (915) 225-0700/0717 to determine your assigned visitation day.

What identification is required for adult visitors?

Adult visitors must present a valid government-issued identification.

Can minors visit detainees?

Yes, but minors must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older) at all times.

What are the visiting hours for attorneys?

Attorneys have access seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM. Paralegals have access Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, and weekends/holidays from 8 AM to 12 PM.

Are there pro bono legal services available?

Yes, a list of pro bono legal organizations is available within the facility.

How can I schedule a virtual attorney visit?

Virtual attorney visits are available via email to ELPASO_EPC_VAV@ice.dhs.gov. Your request must include the attorney's and detainee's information, proposed times, and copies of identification and legal credentials (including DHS Form G-28 if applicable). Requests should be made 24 hours in advance. Virtual visits are scheduled from 7 AM to 5 PM (MST), in 30-60 minute increments, with a maximum of one 60-minute session per detainee per day.

What platform is used for virtual attorney visits?

The platform used is Socrates 360, which is also used for electronic document exchange.

Who is permitted during virtual visits?

Only legal representatives, assistants, and interpreters are permitted in virtual visits.

Can consular officials and clergy visit detainees?

Yes, consular officials and clergy may meet with detainees at any time, but are encouraged to schedule visits in advance. Consular officials should contact the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at (915) 225-0700/0717. Clergy should contact the Chaplain's Office to arrange a visit.

What security protocols are in place for visitors?

All visitors are subject to pat-down searches, inspection of belongings, and metal detection scans. No weapons or electronic devices are allowed in secure areas. Visitors cannot pass items to detainees and must leave all personal belongings outside the visitation area. Visitors appearing intoxicated will be denied entry. Failure to cooperate with searches will result in denial of entry.

What is the phone number for general inquiries?

The phone number for general inquiries is (915) 225-1941. The number for scheduling visits and contacting the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer is (915) 225-0700/0717.

El Paso Application Support Center (ASC) - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the El Paso Application Support Center (ASC):

How do I schedule an appointment at the El Paso ASC?

Appointments are scheduled by USCIS during case processing and communicated via mail or the USCIS online account.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Bring your appointment notice and a valid photo ID.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

Failure to appear may result in application denial.

Can I reschedule my appointment?

Rescheduling is possible for "good cause" before the appointment time. Requests can be made through the USCIS online account (at least 12 hours prior) or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). If the ASC is closed, USCIS will automatically reschedule and notify you.

What services does the El Paso ASC not provide?

The El Paso ASC does not accept direct application filings or provide case-related services. For case inquiries, status updates, or other assistance, contact the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

How can I get directions to the El Paso ASC?

Take I-10 to Yarborough Drive, merge onto Gateway Boulevard toward Yarborough Drive, head north on Yarborough Drive, and turn right onto Montwood Drive. The ASC is on the right. Information on public transportation and parking is unavailable. The facility is accessible to people with disabilities.