Port Isabel Detention Center

Port Isabel, Texas
Detention Center
Location of Port Isabel, Texas Location of Port Isabel, Texas

The Port Isabel Service Processing Center near Los Fresnos, Texas holds detainees of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), whose immigration status or citizenship has not been officially determined or who are awaiting repatriation. It is operated by Ahtna Technical Services, Incorporated.

On April 22, 2009, some detainees began a hunger strike, alleging violations of due process, inadequate access to medical care and legal resources, and various other abuses.

On February 10, 2010, detainees went on a hunger strike in protest of inhumane conditions. It was reported as the third hunger strike in less than a year.

Who We Are

"Port Isabel Detention Center: This is a service owned and operated detention center for individuals who are waiting for their immigration status to be determined or who are awaiting repatriation. ICE Detention & Removal Operations (DRO) administers the operations of this facility."

In July 2010 Tony Hefner, a former guard at Port Isabel, published a memoir titled Between the Fences about the corruption and human rights abuses he witnessed.