How to visit, call or send money to someone in ICE detention in Northern California

This page covers staying in touch with someone in detention. It is general information, not legal advice. For the first steps after an arrest, see My loved one was taken by ICE.

We know how hard this is. A visit, a call or a few dollars for phone time can mean a lot to someone inside. Start with what you can do today.

Where are people from Northern California held?

ICE's facility list shows two detention centers in California under its San Francisco office (checked October 21, 2026):

People are also held at the California City Detention Facility, run by CoreCivic. It opened on August 27, 2025, and news reports say the federal government bought the building in July 2026 (checked October 18, 2026). ICE's facility list did not show it on October 21, 2026, so its visiting rules are not on ice.gov. Call the San Francisco ICE office at (415) 365-8800 to ask. A state report found that California City did not allow contact visits. The same is true for Central Valley Annex in McFarland, which began holding ICE detainees in April 2026: it is not on ICE's list, so call before you go.

People can also be moved to another center, sometimes in another state, with little warning. Check the ICE locator before every visit and before you send money.

How do I visit?

Rules from the Golden State Annex page (checked October 21, 2026). The Mesa Verde page lists fewer rules, but it also requires valid government issued ID for adults and an adult 18 or older with every child. Call to confirm the rest.

• Bring a valid government photo ID. The facility pages do not say which IDs they accept. Call first and ask.
• Arrive early. Check in at least 30 minutes before visiting closes. Mesa Verde asks the same.
• Children must stay with an adult 18 or older the whole time.
• Expect a pat down, a bag search and a metal scan. No phones or other electronics past security.
• You cannot hand anything to the person you visit.
• Follow the dress code. No sleeveless shirts. Shorts, skirts and dresses must reach mid thigh when you sit. No see through, legging style or very tight clothes, and no hats, beanies or hoods. Religious head coverings get special consideration, but you may be asked to remove one briefly for inspection.

Golden State Annex. Visits last 2 hours. Days depend on the person's housing unit, so ask your loved one which unit they are in, and call ahead.

Mesa Verde. Visits last up to 60 minutes, with up to two visitors at a time.

Hours change. Call the center the day before you drive.

Pastors and clergy can ask about clergy visits. At Golden State Annex, call the chaplain's office at (661) 792-2731, extension 274236.

Lawyers schedule legal visits and video calls through ICE's online system, ERO eFile. If your loved one has a lawyer, the lawyer handles this.

How do we talk by phone or message?

People in detention cannot get incoming calls. They call you. Here is how to make that work (ICE pages checked October 21, 2026; GettingOut checked October 18, 2026):

1. Set up a phone account. Both centers use tablets from GettingOut, run by ViaPath. To get calls from your loved one, create and fund an AdvancePay account with ConnectNetwork. Help: 1-866-516-0115.
2. Send messages. Make an account at gettingout.com to send messages and photos. Some centers also offer video visits from home through GettingOut. Ask the center if theirs does.
3. Leave an urgent message. If there is an emergency, call the center, give your loved one's full name and A number, and leave your name and callback number. Golden State Annex: (661) 792-2731. Mesa Verde: (661) 859-1028, extension 101.

Calls on the tablets cost money. Keep your account funded so you do not miss a call.

How do I send money?

Money on their account lets your loved one buy phone time, food and things like soap. Never mail cash.

Golden State Annex (checked October 21, 2026):

• Online or by phone through CorrectPay: correctpay.com or (855) 836-3364.
• By mail: a money order made out to the person's account, with their full name and A number, sent to 611 Frontage Road, McFarland, CA 93250.

Mesa Verde (checked October 21, 2026):

• The ICE page says to send only money orders or cashier's checks, with the person's full name and A number, to 425 Golden State Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
• Visitors may also put cash on an account in person, Monday to Friday, except holidays.
• The same ICE page also says money that arrives by mail is returned to the sender. Because the directions conflict, call (661) 859-1028 before you mail anything.

Payment services charge fees. If your loved one may be released or deported soon, ask the center what happens to money left on the account.

How do I send letters and papers?

• Write your loved one's full name and the last four digits of their A number on the envelope, with your name and return address. Both the Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde pages say this (checked October 21, 2026).
• Mail is opened and checked for banned items, but staff say it is not read.
• Send copies, not originals.
• Before you send a package or clothes for travel or release, call the mail clerk. At Golden State Annex, the mail clerk is at (661) 792-2731, extension 274134. Clothes for release or travel need approval from an ICE officer. No electronics.

What if I need legal help or money help?

• A lawyer for the case: start with Free or low cost immigration legal help in the Bay Area and Will the court give me a free lawyer?
• Money for the family at home: see Money help when a family member is detained.
• Children at home: see Helping children cope.

Who can help?

These are free or low cost nonprofits and county lines. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto: (650) 326-6440. Helps low income residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, including people in detention.
• Pangea Legal Services: (415) 254-0475. Deportation defense, free or low cost.
• San Mateo County Rapid Response Hotline: (203) 666-4472, open 24 hours. Call if someone is detained.
• Santa Clara County Rapid Response Network: (408) 290-1144.

Only a lawyer or a DOJ accredited representative may give you immigration legal advice. See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

Is there a checklist I can print?

You showed up for someone who needed you. That matters more than you know. Keep going, and lean on the people who can help.