Commissary and Phone Funding in ICE Detention

Funds sent to a detainee are typically used for:

• Phone calls
• Commissary items (snacks, hygiene supplies)
• Writing materials
• Limited approved personal items

Rules vary by facility. Always confirm directly with the specific detention facility.

Official ICE facility directory: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities

If you have not confirmed facility location, review:

→ How to Confirm Detention
→ First 24 Hours Checklist

What Payment Types Are Usually Accepted?

Most ICE detention facilities do not accept:

• Cash mailed in envelopes
• Venmo
• Zelle
• PayPal
• Cash App
• Direct peer-to-peer bank transfers

Instead, they typically use:

• A contracted commissary vendor website (credit/debit card payments)
• Money orders (mailed to vendor or facility address)
• On-site cash deposit kiosk (facility-specific)
• In some cases, Western Union–style services (vendor-specific)

Direct ACH or bank wire transfers to detainees are generally not allowed unless processed through the facility’s approved vendor.

Deposit Limits and Frequency

Limits vary by facility and vendor, but typical patterns include:

• Minimum online deposit: $5–$20
• Maximum single deposit: $200–$300
• Monthly account cap: often $300–$500
• Some facilities limit number of deposits per week

Always confirm limits on the facility page or by calling the facility.

How to Identify the Correct Vendor

  1. Visit ICE facility directory: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities

  2. Find the specific facility.

  3. Review sections labeled: • Commissary
    • Inmate funds
    • Telephone access

If unclear, call the facility and ask:

• What company handles commissary deposits?
• What payment methods are accepted?
• Are there transaction fees?
• What are the deposit limits?

Keep written notes of all calls.

What the Deposit Process Usually Looks Like

The typical sequence:

• Confirm facility and A-number
• Identify approved vendor
• Create account (if required)
• Submit payment
• Receive confirmation number
• Funds appear in detainee account (processing time varies)

Processing times vary:

• Online card payments — often same day or next business day
• Money orders — several business days
• Kiosk deposits — usually faster but facility-dependent

Are Phone and Commissary Accounts Separate?

Sometimes yes.

Some facilities use: • One vendor for commissary
• Another vendor for phone services

Confirm both systems separately.

See also: → Right to Phone Calls

How to Confirm Funds Were Received

Ways to verify:

• Online vendor transaction history
• Email confirmation receipt
• Printed kiosk receipt
• Confirmation number from vendor

You can also confirm with the detainee during a phone call.

Keep:

• Confirmation email
• Transaction ID
• Screenshot
• Money order receipt stub

What If Funds Do Not Appear?

If funds are missing after expected processing time:

• Verify A-number was entered correctly
• Check vendor account transaction status
• Contact vendor customer service
• Contact facility administration if unresolved

If communication stops unexpectedly, check for facility transfer: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search

Variations Across Facilities

Differences may include:

• Privately operated vs. county-run facilities
• Separate phone and commissary systems
• Deposit approval delays
• Restrictions on who may send funds

Never assume rules are identical across facilities.

Important Warnings

• Do not send cash in mail.
• Do not use unapproved third-party apps.
• Confirm facility location before sending money (transfers are common).
• Double-check A-number before submitting payment.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only.
Facility policies vary and may change.
This is not legal advice and may contain errors.
Always confirm procedures directly with the specific detention facility.