The Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas is an immigration jail that houses immigration detainees apprehended in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. For short, it’s referred to as PDC.
Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas
The Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas is an immigration jail that houses immigration detainees apprehended in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. For short, it’s referred to as PDC.
What happens to immigrants detained in Alvarado, Texas? | FAQ? | Can I visit an someone detained in Prairieland?
What happens to immigrants detained in Alvarado, Texas?
Immigration detainees at Prairieland are usually there because ICE has placed them in removal proceedings. This does not mean that the person will automatically be deported. Rather, the person is being detained while he or she makes multiple court appearances before an immigration judge at the Dallas Immigration Court. At least for initial appearances, he or she will appear before the immigration judge via televideo. (For final hearings, he or she is usually transported physically to the Dallas Immigration Court for an in-person appearance.)
If an immigration detainee in Alvarado is allowed to be released on an immigration bond, and the bond is posted, then the inmate will be released directly from the Prairieland Detention Center.
Others, who have prior deportation orders, may be scheduled to be removed from the United States without appearing before an immigration judge. Even if your family member has a prior deportation order, it’s important to talk to an immigration attorney about the possibility of reopening the deportation case. While it’s not always possible to reopen the case, it’s at least worth a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I deposit money in the person’s account?
You can deposit money in three ways:
1) By Telephone: Toll-Free 1-866-232-1899
2) Online at: www.touchpaydirect.com
3) At a kiosk, located in the jail lobby
Before depositing money, make sure to have the following information ready:
- The facility number: 276-009
- The detainee’s alien number: ###-###-### (9 digits)
What types of identification are accepted for family visitation?
Adult visitors must present a valid, verifiable government-issued identification card to enter the facility. You can also take your matricula or passport that is not expired.
Can I leave a message for the detainees?
No, the Prairieland Detention Center does not take messages for detainees unless it’s a family emergency.
How can I get a bond for a person detained at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas?
While the initial bond decision is made by a deportation officer at 8101 N. Stemmons, that decision can be modified by an ICE officer located on-site at the immigration jail. So, for example, if a person is detained at the Prairieland Detention Center, and wishes for an ICE officer to review a bond denial, he or she can speak to an ICE officer located at PDC. It is strongly recommended that the detainee obtain the assistance of a qualified immigration attorney when requesting any review of a bond decision.
Attorneys seeking review of a bond decision for a detainee at Prairieland Detention Center have been advised to make “tailored” requests to ICE, which highlight extenuating circumstances, positive equities, and significant hardship. ICE has also advised that not to request a review of a bond decision unless the following four factors are present:
(1) The person is not subject to mandatory detention, meaning that the person is eligible for a bond
(2) There are extenuating circumstances
(3) ICE initially declined to set a bond
(4) The client is located at PDC or Johnson County Detention Center.
If ICE declines to set a bond for a person detained in Alvarado, the next step is to apply for a bond redetermination with an immigration judge. The immigration judge assigned to the detained cases in Prairieland is Immigration Judge James A. Nugent.
To get a bond hearing can often take several weeks, so it takes enormous patience. It is strongly advised that you or your family member not proceed with a bond hearing without an immigration attorney. For all practical purposes, you have one real shot at getting an immigration bond. Bond appeals and requests for second bond hearings are difficult to win and take long to be decided. The best advice is to begin working with an immigration attorney early in the process.
Can I visit someone detained in Prairieland?
Yes, contact visits are permitted, meaning you can normally be in the same room as the person. Minors can are also permitted to visit immigration detainees, but must be accompanied by an adult guardian (18 years or older).
The facility is located at 1209 Sunflower Lane, Alvarado, Texas 76009, which is approximately 30-40 miles from Downtown Dallas (a 40 to 60 minute drive).
Before visiting, you must call the facility at 817-409-3995 to find out when you can go. The day and time will depend on the security level assigned to the inmate, (ICE Custody Level):
Females
Low/ Medium Low:
Tues/ Thurs/ Sat 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
High:
Tues/ Thurs/ Sat 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Transgender
Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Males
Low/Medium Low:
Mon/Wed/ Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
High:
Mon/ Wed/ Friday 1:00 p.m-6:00 p.m.
