If you drive down Montana Avenue in El Paso, past the airport and the clusters of desert-baked warehouses, you might not even notice the El Paso Service Processing Center. It looks like just another government complex behind a fence. But for the people inside and the families waiting on the phone, it is the center of a very stressful universe.
Honestly, there is a lot of noise online about what happens in these facilities. Most of it is either political grandstanding or outdated legal advice. If you’re trying to find a loved one or figure out how to get someone out, you don't need a lecture on border policy. You need to know how the gears turn inside that specific building at 8915 Montana Ave.
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The Reality of Life Inside the El Paso Service Processing Center
The facility is officially run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It isn't a "soft-sided" tent city, though those exist nearby. This is a permanent brick-and-mortar hub. It’s been around since the late 60s, though it's been expanded a bunch of times to hold somewhere between 800 and 1,200 people.
Inside, it’s basically divided into dorms. Men and women are kept separate. Some of the older parts of the building feel their age—six of the eight main dorms date back to 1965. Think barracks-style living with common areas for TV and showers.
People here are waiting. They are waiting for a credible fear interview, waiting for a bond hearing, or waiting for a flight back to their home country. Because it’s a "processing center," the population is always shifting. You might be there for three days or three months.
The Food and Daily Routine
ICE claims they serve about 3,000 calories a day. Is it gourmet? No. It’s institutional. They do accommodate medical diets, Kosher, and Halal meals if you ask, but the "standard" tray is what most people get. Most detainees who are able-bodied can take on "voluntary" work assignments. It’s a way to stay busy and earn a tiny bit of credit for commissary items—extra snacks, better soap, things like that.
What's Actually Happening with Visitation Right Now?
You can’t just show up and knock on the door. It doesn't work that way.
If you’re a friend or family member, you’re looking at very specific windows. Generally, it’s 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, and they open up some midday slots (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) on weekends and holidays. Don't forget your ID. You need a valid government-issued photo ID, and if you aren't a U.S. citizen, bringing your passport is the safest bet.
Legal visits are a different story. Attorneys can get in almost anytime from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tablets and Messaging
The facility uses a system called GettingOut. It’s basically a tablet-based service where you can send non-confidential messages. It's expensive. It’s also monitored. Don’t say anything in a message that you wouldn’t want a government prosecutor to read, because they absolutely can and do read them.
The Courtroom Inside the Fence
One thing that trips people up is the El Paso Immigration Court. It is located right there at the center.
This isn't like "Law & Order." There is no jury. The judges are actually employees of the Department of Justice, not the independent judicial branch. They handle "removal proceedings." Basically, they decide if someone has a legal right to stay in the U.S. or if they have to be deported.
If someone you know is in the El Paso Service Processing Center, their case will likely be heard by a judge in this building. The backlog is massive. In recent years, the wait for a hearing has stretched into months, though sometimes "expedited" cases move much faster than people are ready for.
The Role of the Deportation Officer
Every person in custody is assigned a Deportation Officer (DO). This person is your main point of contact for logistical stuff like travel documents or bond. You can call the main line at (915) 225-1941 to find out who the DO is, but honestly? They usually won't talk to you unless you are the attorney of record or have a G-28 form on file.
Recent Scrutiny and Controversy
We have to talk about the reports coming out of the facility. It hasn't been all smooth sailing.
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, several watchdog groups, including Amnesty International, flagged serious issues at the El Paso center. There have been allegations ranging from "inhumane" medical delays to guards using excessive force. One specific report from the ACLU highlighted claims of neglect in the "Camp East Montana" section, which is a specialized area of the facility.
There’s also the Alien Enemies Act controversy. Some detainees—particularly Venezuelans—have alleged they were targeted for harsher treatment or solitary confinement based on suspected gang affiliations that they claim were totally made up.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) has opened multiple investigations into these claims. If you have a loved one inside who is being mistreated, you need to document it immediately. Don't wait.
How to Find Someone at the Center
Don't panic if you can't find them immediately. It takes time for the system to update.
- Use the Online Detainee Locator: Go to the ICE website. You need their A-Number (Alien Number). It's nine digits. If you don't have that, you need their exact name, date of birth, and country of birth.
- The Spelling Trap: If the name is hyphenated (like Sanchez-Gomez), try it with the hyphen, without the hyphen, and with just the last name. The system is picky.
- Call Directly: The main numbers are (915) 225-0700 or (915) 225-0717. They are staffed from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Practical Steps to Take Today
If you have someone in the El Paso Service Processing Center, the clock is ticking.
Check the Bond Status
Not everyone is eligible for bond. If they are, you usually have to pay the full amount in cash or through a bondsman. You can post a delivery bond at the facility, but you need to make sure you have the exact A-number and the money ready.
Get a G-28 Filed
If you hire a lawyer, make sure they file a G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance) immediately. Without this, the facility won't tell the lawyer anything.
Prepare for the "Credible Fear" Interview
If the person is seeking asylum, this interview is the most important 60 minutes of their life. If they fail this, they can be deported almost immediately without ever seeing a judge. They need to be able to explain exactly why they are afraid to go back to their country.
Collect Documents
Start gathering birth certificates, proof of residence, and any evidence of persecution now. You cannot easily get these things once the court date is set.
The El Paso Service Processing Center is a high-pressure environment. It's built for efficiency, not necessarily for comfort or nuance. Staying on top of the paperwork and knowing which officer is handling the case is the only way to navigate it without getting lost in the system.
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Next Steps for Families
- Locate the Detainee: Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to confirm they are still at the El Paso facility.
- Funds for Communications: Set up an account through GettingOut.com so the person inside can call you or send messages.
- Verify Court Dates: Call the EOIR automated system at 1-800-898-7180 and enter the A-Number to hear the next scheduled hearing date.
- Secure Representation: Contact a licensed immigration attorney who specializes in "detained" cases, as these move much faster than non-detained dockets.