Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get information about immigration legal services?
El Refugio is not staffed with attorneys and cannot offer legal advice. Your loved one may call the Southeast Legal Immigration Initiative (SIFI) at 229.838.6500.
How do I post a bond?
The person supplying the bond money must show valid government-issued photo identification such as a passport, military ID, LPR card, or driver’s license. This person (the obligor) is responsible for ensuring that the person bonding out of detention appears before an officer whenever a request is made. For bond information, please call 229.838.1105 and ask to speak to the deportation officer handling your loved one’s case.
Bonds for people in detention may be posted at ERO Bond Acceptance facilities nationwide, Monday through Friday (except public holidays) between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Acceptable bond forms of payment are money order, certified check, or cashier’s check. On bonds over $10,000, only certified and cashier’s checks are accepted. Make payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”
Can I send a bag of clothes to my loved one at Stewart?
Yes, people in detention may receive one bag of clothing during their time at Stewart, which they will be given when they are deported or released. If you want to mail the bag, your loved one must first fill out a request form. The bag must have a zipper that closes it and be no larger than the size for airplane carry-on baggage. The bag may contain the following:
3 shirts/sweaters
3 undershirts
3 pairs of pants
3 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of socks
1 coat/jacket
2 pairs of shoes
Do not add anything else to the bag such as money or a letter. Your loved one will not receive the bag if it contains items not on the approved list.
Officers in the waiting room at Stewart can give you a handout with current information. Ask during your visit or call 229.838.1105.
How do I find out where my loved one is being detained?
Go to the ICE Detainee Locator. Enter the person’s 9-digit A# and country of origin. If you don’t have the A#, you may need to try different variations of their name. If you are unable to locate your loved one and believe they may be at Stewart Detention Center, call 229.838.5000.
How can I talk to my loved one at Stewart?
People who are detained at Stewart cannot receive incoming calls, but they may buy a calling card with money in their commissary account. To deposit money, you will need to know your loved one’s commissary number, which you may get by calling Stewart Detention Center at 229.838.5000. Your loved one may also be able to share with you their commissary number.
You may set up an account at http://gettingout.com and provide money your loved one may use for phone calls.
How can I find out my loved one’s commissary number?
Your loved one may be able to share this number with you. Or you may call Stewart at 229.838.5000.
How do I send money to my loved one at Stewart?
The CoreCivic website has information on sending mail and money and filling out money order forms. You may also leave money for your loved one at Stewart Detention Center Monday through Friday. Call Stewart at 229.838.5000 for additional information.
Can I send my loved one at Stewart a letter?
Yes! Our friends in detention love receiving mail. The CoreCivic website has instructions on how to do so.
How do I visit my loved one at Stewart?
Visitation is allowed at Stewart every day, including holidays and weekends. Weekdays, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You must be signed in by 2:30 p.m. Weekends, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. You must be signed in for the visit by 6:30 p.m.
People detained at Stewart are allowed ONE visit per week. The week starts on Sunday. If you visit on Sunday, you cannot visit again until the following Sunday. You can visit Saturday and then visit again the following day, Sunday, because Sunday is the start of the new week.
For information, call Stewart Detention Center’s main number during visitation hours: 229.838.1105.
What type of identification do I need to visit my loved one at Stewart?
You need valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or matricula consular. The CCA website has guidelines. (Click on the tab, “Hours of Visitation.”)