If you’re looking for someone at the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342, you’re likely dealing with a massive headache. Navigating the immigration detention system feels like trying to read a map in a dark room. Most people just want to know two things: Are they okay? And how do I get them out?
Located in a somewhat remote part of LaSalle Parish, this facility—often called the LaSalle Ice Processing Center—is a massive hub for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It’s run by GEO Group, a private prison corporation. It's not a small operation. We're talking about a place that holds over a thousand individuals at any given time. It’s a cog in a very large, very complicated machine.
Why the LaSalle Parish Facility is Different
Most jails are local. This one isn’t.
While it sits in Jena, Louisiana, it operates under federal contracts. That means the rules for visiting, calling, or sending money aren't the same as your local county lockup. Honestly, it can be frustrating. You call the front desk, and you might get a straight answer, or you might get stuck in a phone tree that leads nowhere.
The facility predominantly houses adult males, though its demographics can shift based on ICE's current operational needs. Because it’s a "processing center," people move through here fast. Or they stay for months. There’s rarely an in-between. One day your family member is in Jena; the next, they could be on a transport bus to a facility in Mississippi or Georgia.
The GEO Group Connection
You’ll hear the name GEO Group a lot. They are the private contractors managing the day-to-day. This is a business. That reality influences everything from the cost of phone calls to the quality of the commissary. Critics, like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have often pointed to the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342 as a prime example of why private detention is controversial. They cite concerns over medical care and the legal hurdles detainees face in such a rural location.
On the flip side, the facility is a major employer for the region. It’s the local economy's backbone. This creates a strange tension between the facility's role as a detention center and its status as a local job provider.
How to Locate a Detainee Right Now
Stop calling every number you find on Google. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) first. It’s the fastest way.
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To use it effectively, you need either the person's A-Number (Alien Registration Number) or their full legal name and country of birth. If the name is hyphenated or has multiple surnames—common in Spanish-speaking cultures—try every variation. The system is notoriously picky about spelling.
If the locator says "Not in Custody" but you know they were arrested, don't panic. The system lags. It can take 24 to 48 hours for a transfer to show up.
Contacting the Facility Directly
If the online tool fails, you can try the facility number. The physical address is 830 Pine Hill Road, Jena, LA 71342.
When you call, be ready. Have the person’s full name and date of birth handy. Don't expect the staff to give you legal advice. They won't. They’ll give you a booking number or tell you when visiting hours are. That’s about it.
The Reality of Communication and Mail
Sending mail to the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342 requires strict adherence to their rules. If you mess up the envelope, they’ll toss it.
You must include the detainee's full name and their A-Number on the envelope. No perfume. No glitter. No Polaroids—most facilities only allow standard printed photos.
Pro tip: Don't send cash in the mail. It’ll "disappear" or just get rejected. Use the authorized electronic services like Access Corrections or whatever vendor GEO Group is currently using for commissary deposits.
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Phone Calls are a Lifeline
Detainees cannot receive incoming calls. Period. You have to wait for them to call you.
Setting up a pre-paid account is the only way to make this affordable. The rates for international calls from inside the facility are steep. Companies like Talton Communications often handle these contracts. If you don't have an account set up, the person inside might not be able to reach you at all if they don't have "calling credit."
Legal Hurdles in Jena, Louisiana
Here is the tough part. Jena is isolated.
For a detainee at the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342, finding a lawyer is a nightmare. Most immigration attorneys are based in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, or Houston. That’s a long drive.
Why does this matter? Because the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)—the immigration court—often conducts hearings via video teleconference (VTC). It’s hard to build a rapport with a judge through a screen. Furthermore, the "grant rates" for asylum or bond in rural Louisiana courts are historically lower than in places like New York or California. It's a tough venue.
Seeking Bond and Parole
Getting out on bond is the goal. But at LaSalle, it’s a steep climb. ICE officers have the discretion to grant parole, but they often deny it, citing "flight risk."
If ICE denies bond, the detainee can ask an immigration judge for a bond hearing. This is where having an attorney becomes vital. You need to prove the person has "community ties"—family in the U.S., a place to stay, and no significant criminal record.
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Visiting the Facility
Visiting is possible, but it’s a trek.
You’ll need a valid, government-issued ID. Don't show up in gym clothes or anything "revealing." They have a strict dress code. If the guard thinks your shirt is too short, you’re not going in.
- Check the schedule: Visiting hours change based on the detainee's housing unit.
- Arrive early: The check-in process can take an hour.
- Expect a search: You’ll go through a metal detector and your car might be searched.
Health and Safety Concerns
It's no secret that detention centers have faced scrutiny over medical care. In 2020 and 2021, the facility was under the microscope for its handling of COVID-19.
If your loved one has a chronic condition—diabetes, high blood pressure, or mental health issues—you need to be proactive. Contact the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC) at the facility. Document everything. If they aren't getting their meds, you need to reach out to advocacy groups like Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) or Freedom for Immigrants. They keep tabs on these things.
Actionable Steps for Families
If you have a loved one at the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342, don't just wait for the phone to ring.
- Get the A-Number immediately. This is the key to everything. It’s an 8 or 9-digit number.
- Verify the court date. Use the EOIR automated system (1-800-898-7180) to check for upcoming hearings.
- Find a specialized lawyer. Look for attorneys who specifically have experience with the Oakdale or New Orleans immigration courts. They know the local judges' tendencies.
- Fund the commissary. Make sure the person has enough money to buy extra food, hygiene products, and phone minutes. It significantly improves their quality of life.
- Gather documents for bond. Start collecting tax returns, birth certificates of U.S. citizen children, and letters of support from the community. You’ll need these the second a bond hearing is scheduled.
Navigating the LaSalle Detention Facility Jena LA 71342 is an exercise in patience and persistence. The system is designed to be bureaucratic. Stay organized, keep every receipt, and don't take "no" for an answer from a first-level clerk.