Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information for family members of those detained at Stewart Detention Center:
El Refugio does not offer legal advice. If you are looking for pro-bono representation, you can contact the Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative (SIFI). Call (229) 838-6500.
The person supplying the bond money 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 detainee presents himself before an officer or agent whenever a request is made. For bond information, please call 229-838-1105 and ask to speak to the Deportation Officer handling the case. You must have the last name of the detainee and A number before calling.
Bonds for detainees may be posted at ERO Bond Acceptance facilities nationwide, Monday through Friday (except public holidays) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For a list of bond acceptance facilities, click here.
Acceptable bond forms of payment are money order, certified check or cashier’s check. On all bonds over $10,000, the only accepted methods of payment are cashiers or certified checks. These must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” or “Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”
- Detainees can receive one bag of personal property during their time at Stewart. If you want to mail it, they must first fill out a request form in order for it to be received.
- They will not receive this bag until they are released from Stewart.
- The bag must have a zipper that closes it and be no larger than the size for airplane carry-on baggage.
- The bag can have the following: 3 shirts/sweaters, 3 undershirts, 3 pants, 3 underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 1 coat/jacket, 2 pairs of shoes.
- Do not add anything personal to the bag (letters, money, etc.) as they will not receive it and they may send the bag back.
The Stewart Detention Center officers in the waiting room offer a handout with current information, ask during your visit or contact main number during visitation hours with urgent questions: (229) 838-1105.
Yes! Call El Refugio at (229)-234-9022 to make arrangements for a volunteer to visit.
(1) Click here to visit the ICE Detainee Locator website.
(2) Enter the A# (which is a 9 digit identification number) and the country of origin. If you don’t have the A#, you may need to try different variations of their name. If you are unable to locate your relative using the website and believe they may be at Stewart Detention Center, try calling the center: (229)-838-5000.
Click here for the official site to contact the US Immigration & Customs Enforcement for guidance.
(1) Detainees cannot receive incoming calls, but after depositing money into their commissary account they will be able to purchase a calling card.
(2) It is also possible to set up an account with the company Talton Communications Inc. by visiting https://www.talton.com or calling 1-866-348-6231. After creating an account, add phone numbers to it and your relative can call collect. It is often cheaper to communicate by phone if you use a local phone number with the area code “229.”
(3) If you have any questions, contact Stewart Detention Center’s main number during visitation hours:229-838-5000
If you are unable to ask your relative when you talk to them, call Stewart Detention Center at 229-838-5000 and dial “5” for inmate records or “0” for operator.
Stewart Detention Center offers the most information on the CCA site, but the information may be out of date. This is the most current information we have:
- Click here for instructions on sending mail and money.
- Click here for instructions on filling out money order forms.
- Money may also be dropped off at Stewart Detention Center from Monday to Friday.
Yes! Current information about sending mail can be found here.
- Current visitation hours are Monday thru Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Friday thru Sunday 8:00 am. – 6:00 p.m. No appointments (first come first served).
- There is visitation at Stewart every day, including holidays and weekends. Weekdays Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You must be signed-in for the visit by 2:30 p.m. in order to visit that day. Weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You must be signed-in for the visit by 6:30 p.m.
- Detainees are allowed ONE visit per week. The week starts on Sunday. If you visit on Sunday, you cannot visit again until the following Sunday.
- You can visit Saturday and then visit again the following day, Sunday, because Sunday is the start of the new week.
If you have any questions contact Stewart Detention Center’s main number during visitation hours: (229) 838-1105
- A valid government ID, including a passport or matricula consular
- Current visitation guidelines are posted here. Be sure to click on the tab titled “Hours of Visitation”.
We hope you found the answers to these frequently asked questions helpful. A few other resources that may offer help to you, family, or friends:
- The Latin American Association in Atlanta: Offers immigration and social services to Latino families in the Southeast.
- ACLU’s “What to do if you are stopped by Police, Immigration Agents, or the FBI”.
- Picked Up: A Guide Immigrants Detained in North Carolina.
If you have suggestions to help us improve this information, please send El Refugio an email to info@elrefugioministry.org or post a private message on our Facebook page.