Each immigration detention facility has different rules on how to send and receive mail. It is important to familiarize yourself with those rules, to prevent confusion and to allow you to communicate with your loved ones in a quick and efficient way. For the purpose of today’s post, we will focus on the rules that apply to the Eloy Detention Center, in Eloy, Arizona.

For letters sent to you in the detention center, the letter must include the last four digits of your A Number, also known as File Number. It must also include the sender’s name and address. Please be advised that all incoming mail may be screened, so make sure to inform anyone who might be sending you information of this possibility.

Money received via mail will be taken to the processing area to be deposited into your account, and you will be provided with a receipt. Please tell your loved ones not to send cash when sending you money to the facility via mail.

If your loved ones want to send you items, they may if determined to be necessary for the purpose of travel or release from custody. You are not allowed to receive any electronic devices. Before sending you a package, tell your family or friends to contact the facility to ask for advance permission from the Chief of Security. You can do so in writing by sending a letter to the facility, with Attn: Chief of Security.

You may also send mail from the detention center to your loved ones. You may seal your letter once completed and place it in the outbox provided by the facility for outgoing mail. Incoming mail and outgoing mail is processed within 24 hours.

There is no limit as to the number of letters you may send. However, you are responsible for the postage, which you may purchase from the facility. Exceptions regarding postage may be made to those who can demonstrate a lack of means to make such a purchase. In those cases, the government will provide postage for your mail.

Once you are released from the facility or if you are transferred to another facility, please note that only legal mail will be forwarded to you; all other mail will be returned to the sender. Please see below of the facility’s mailing address:

Eloy Detention Center

1705 E Hanna Rd.

Eloy, AZ 85131

If you suspect that your mail is not being given to you in a timely manner, or at all, or that your mail is not being mailed out the way it should be, please file a complaint with the facility right away. You may also consult with an immigration attorney who may be able to assist you in addressing this issue.