Immigration to the USA – How to Get Out of El Valle Detention Center | Full Information, Ways to Get Released, and Important Documents (+ Download Sample Applications)Immigrating to the USA is not just a dream; it is a chance for a new life, safety, and a future. However, as hard as it may be to accept, even in pursuit of a better life, people often face significant challenges on their way to their goal. For example, crossing the border through Mexico, even with the official CBP ONE app, which helps schedule meetings with border officials, can lead to detention in an immigration center. And this is where an entirely different story begins — the story of how to get out of that center, avoid deportation, and have a chance at legal status.
Today, we will explain how El Valle Detention Center — one such facility in Texas — operates and what steps you need to take to get out with legal status, increasing your chances for U.S. residency. In this article, you will learn:
- How El Valle Detention Center is structured.
- What steps are needed to get released from the center.
- How to cooperate with ICE officers to avoid deportation.
- Why it is crucial to act proactively, not just wait.
- How to handle documents so your loved ones can leave the center and continue fighting for their dream.
But be prepared: If you don’t act actively, your chances of successful release can significantly decrease.
Block 1: What is El Valle Detention Center?El Valle Detention Center is an immigration center located in Raymondville, Texas. Opened in 2006, it was built to house migrants who are not accused of criminal offenses but are detained while awaiting decisions on their immigration cases, such as asylum or potential deportation. Initially, the center housed about 1,000 individuals, but over time its capacity increased to 1,200. El Valle is managed by the private company Management & Training Corporation (MTC) under a contract with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The primary purpose of the center is to hold migrants awaiting their immigration hearings.
Block 2: Conditions and Life in the CenterConditions at El Valle Detention Center leave much to be desired. Detainees complain about overcrowding, poor hygiene, and low food quality. There are no spacious areas for physical activities, and access to sports zones is limited. Detainees live in shared rooms with multiple beds, exacerbating the overcrowding problem. It is also important to note the strict rules of the center: phone calls are limited, and family or attorney visits are subject to time restrictions.
Block 3: How to Get Out of El Valle Detention Center?How can you get out of this center? The key is to act proactively. If you just sit and wait for a decision, you risk facing deportation. Detainees can apply for release through the court or request asylum during their detention. However, there may be high requirements, such as large bonds, complex legal procedures, and delays in medical care, which could lengthen the process.
What’s crucial:
Activeness! Write letters, make phone calls, and send emails to ICE and the center. This must become a regular practice. Only in this way will officers start noticing you, and your documents will begin to move forward.
Block 4: Overcoming Obstacles and Taking Active StepsYou may encounter problems, such as insufficient legal assistance or excessively high bonds. But do not lose hope! There are many non-governmental organizations and legal structures that can help with the release process. Their assistance can be decisive. Work on every step: from submitting applications to making regular calls and sending letters.
Proactivity is what determines your fate.Block 5: Medical Assistance and Health ThreatsAnother significant challenge at El Valle Detention Center is the lack of medical care. Detainees report insufficient care and delays in medical procedures. However, it's important to remember that upon entering the center, a medical screening must be conducted within 12 hours, and a full examination should occur within two weeks. If your loved one is suffering from poor health, this can become a basis for requesting release on humanitarian grounds.
How to Achieve Release from Detention Center?To achieve release from the Detention Center, it’s important to understand that two processes run in parallel:
- The Release Process – aimed at getting out of the center.
- The Immigration Process – includes applying for asylum, participating in master hearings, and other stages.
These processes run independently but are both essential for a successful outcome. Let’s review the main stages of release.
- Stages of the Release Process:Release on Parole: This is a fast way to get released. It requires a sponsor — a U.S. citizen or green card holder. A sponsorship package is prepared, which includes:
- A notarized sponsor letter.
- A guarantee of accommodation.
- Proof of address and finances.
- Positive references for the detainee.
- Release on Bond: A judge or ICE sets the bond amount, and after it’s paid, the detainee can be released. It’s important to provide evidence that the detainee poses no threat and has strong community ties.
- Immigration Process: If other methods don’t work, you will need to go through the entire process: participate in interviews and master hearings, submit Form I-589 for asylum, and wait for a decision.
Conclusion: Act, Don’t Wait!To get your loved one out of detention, it is crucial to act proactively. Every day is a chance. Make phone calls, write letters, engage with ICE officers. The more effort you put in, the higher the chance of successful release.
Don’t wait, start acting now! In upcoming videos, we will cover all the details about the release process and documents you may need.