Finding out a loved one is being held at the Joe Corley Detention Facility in Conroe, TX is a gut-punch. One minute you're going about your day, and the next, you're trying to figure out where 500 Hilbig Road is and how the heck to get a phone call through. Honestly, it's a maze. You aren't just dealing with a local jail; you're dealing with a private facility owned by The GEO Group that contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Marshals Service.
It's massive. We’re talking about a capacity of over 1,500 people.
If you're searching for info, you've likely realized that "simple" doesn't exist here. Everything from the visitation schedule to the way you send money is specific, rigid, and—let's be real—pretty confusing if you don't have a guide.
The Reality of Private Detention in Montgomery County
A lot of people think Joe Corley is run by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office because it's right there on Hilbig Road next to the county jail. It isn't. Back in 2013, the county sold the place to The GEO Group for about $65 million. Since then, it’s functioned as a "for-profit" hub. This matters because the rules aren't the same as your standard local lockup.
The facility primarily houses "administrative detainees." These are folks waiting for immigration hearings or deportation. However, because they also contract with the U.S. Marshals, you’ll find people there facing federal criminal charges too. It's a mix.
One of the biggest misconceptions? That it's a "soft" facility because it's for immigration. It's a medium-security environment. There are high fences, razor wire, and strict internal movement protocols.
Visitation: It’s Not Just "Show Up and See Them"
You can't just drive to Conroe and expect to walk in. If you show up on the wrong day or at the wrong time for the person’s gender, they will turn you away at the gate. No exceptions.
The schedule at Joe Corley is notoriously specific. As of early 2026, the hours generally break down like this, but you should always call (936) 521-4000 before you leave your house just to be sure nothing shifted overnight.
Male Detainee Visitation:
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- Thursday & Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Female Detainee Visitation:
- Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Notice that weekend overlap? Men get the morning; women get the afternoon. If you’re coming from out of town—and many people drive hours from Dallas or San Antonio—missing that 2:00 p.m. cutoff on a Saturday is a disaster.
The ID Situation
Don't forget your ID. It has to be a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you’re undocumented and trying to visit a loved one, be extremely cautious. While ICE policy generally says they want to facilitate family unity, you are walking into a federal processing center. Many legal experts recommend having a US citizen or legal resident handle the visits if possible.
Communication: Why You Can’t Call Them
This is the most frustrating part for families. You cannot call a detainee. Period. If you call the main desk asking to speak to "Juan Garcia," they’ll tell you it’s impossible.
The system is 100% outbound. The person inside has to call you. To make this happen, you usually have to set up an account through a third-party provider like Talton Communications. It isn't cheap.
If there is a genuine, life-or-death emergency—like a death in the family—you can call the Chaplain or the Warden’s office at (936) 521-4000. They might get a message through, but they’ll verify the emergency first.
Recent Controversies and the "Deadliest Year"
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. The start of 2026 has been rough for the facility's reputation. According to reports from advocacy groups like Detention Watch Network and Freedom for Immigrants, the system saw a record-high number of deaths in 2025.
Specifically, on January 5, 2025, a 42-year-old man named Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres died while in custody at Joe Corley. His family claimed he didn't have access to the heart medication he needed. ICE, meanwhile, maintained they provide comprehensive medical care. This tension between "official" accounts and family reports is a constant theme at Joe Corley.
When you have a loved one inside with a medical condition, you have to be their advocate. Don't assume the facility is tracking their meds perfectly. Get their medical records to an immigration attorney immediately.
How to Find Someone (The Inmate Locator)
If you aren't 100% sure they are in Conroe, don't guess. Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System.
You’ll need:
- The A-Number (Alien Registration Number). This is a 9-digit number starting with the letter A.
- If you don't have that, you need their full name (exact spelling), date of birth, and country of birth.
If they were just picked up, it might take 24-48 hours for them to show up in the system. If they are under the U.S. Marshals' custody, you’ll need to check the specialized federal inmate locator.
Legal Resources: Don't Go It Alone
The Joe Corley Detention Facility is under the jurisdiction of the Houston Field Office, but cases are often heard by immigration judges via video link or at the Houston Immigration Court on Smith Street.
Trying to navigate an asylum claim or a bond hearing from inside Joe Corley without a lawyer is basically a losing battle. The "Gonzalez Law Group" and "Rivera y Bujosa Law" are two names that frequently pop up in regional searches for Conroe-specific cases, but there are also pro-bono options.
The facility is required to provide a list of free legal service providers. If your loved one says they don't have it, tell them to ask their "case manager" specifically for the pro bono list.
Actionable Next Steps for Families
- Confirm Location Immediately: Use the ICE locator tool before driving to Conroe.
- Set Up a Phone Account: Don't wait for them to call and find out you have no "credits." Use the Talton Communications portal to prepay.
- Gather "A-Numbers": This 9-digit number is your golden ticket for all information. Keep it on your fridge.
- Medical Alerts: If the detainee has asthma, diabetes, or heart issues, fax their medical records and a list of current prescriptions to the facility's medical department immediately.
- Consult an Attorney: Bond hearings happen fast. If you wait three weeks to call a lawyer, the person might already be on a flight out of the country.
Joe Corley isn't a place anyone wants to be, but knowing the schedule and the "system" is the only way to help the person on the inside get out.