Folkston ICE Processing Center
Folkston ICE Processing Center is one of ICE's largest civil immigration detention complexes, located in Folkston, Georgia, approximately 40 miles west of Jacksonville, Florida. The facility consists of the Main and Annex units, both of which house adult male noncitizens detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Individuals may be housed in either unit while their immigration proceedings—including custody reviews, bond hearings, appeals, and removal proceedings—are pending. The detention complex is owned by ICE and operated by The GEO Group under contract with ICE. For families and attorneys traveling to the facility, the nearest major airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), approximately 45–60 minutes away by car.
Because detainees may be transferred between the Main and Annex units, or to other ICE facilities, often with little or no advance notice, prompt legal review is important. Representation may include requests for release from ICE custody, immigration bond hearings, federal habeas corpus litigation, attorney detention visits, and coordination with existing immigration counsel where appropriate.
-
The ICE Field Office manages immigration detention and enforcement matters in its jurisdiction. It oversees custody decisions, detention transfers, and certain discretionary releases from ICE custody.
-
Immigration Judges oversee removal proceedings, decide immigration cases, and determine eligibility for relief from removal. They also conduct bond hearings for eligible individuals in ICE custody.
-
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.
Unlike the Immigration Court, the Federal District Court reviews whether the federal government has acted lawfully. It may hear habeas corpus petitions and other federal claims
-
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Circuit Court reviews appeals from decisions made by the Federal District Court.
-
The GEO Group operates the Folkston ICE Processing Center under contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The company is responsible for the facility's day-to-day operations, including security, housing, food services, medical care, transportation, and facility management. ICE retains exclusive authority over immigration custody decisions, bond determinations, release, transfer, and removal of individuals detained at the facility.
Like other privately operated ICE detention facilities, the Folkston ICE Processing Center has been the subject of public scrutiny and litigation concerning detention conditions and facility operations. While GEO manages the daily operation of the detention center, immigration enforcement decisions and detainee custody remain the responsibility of ICE.
-
Attorneys may visit detainees in person or through ICE's Virtual Attorney Visitation (VAV) program, subject to ICE procedures and facility requirements. Family and friends may visit during designated visiting hours established by the facility. Current visitation schedules, attorney visitation procedures, identification requirements, and other visitor information are available on the ICE official site: Annex and Main
Attorney Visits
✳︎
ICE Custody Representation
✳︎
Communications with Deportation Officers
✳︎
Family Coordination
✳︎
Bond Hearings
✳︎
Federal Habeas Corpus
✳︎
Appeals
✳︎
Attorney Visits ✳︎ ICE Custody Representation ✳︎ Communications with Deportation Officers ✳︎ Family Coordination ✳︎ Bond Hearings ✳︎ Federal Habeas Corpus ✳︎ Appeals ✳︎
If retained for an ICE bond request, bond hearing, federal habeas corpus petition, or other representation, the full evaluation fee is credited toward the legal fee.
Immigration Detention Representation
When a family member is detained by ICE, legal decisions often need to be made quickly. I represent detained individuals and work closely with their families throughout the case—from the initial evaluation through bond hearings, detention visits, federal court litigation, and appeals.
✔ New York Attorney
✔ National practice limited to Immigration and Nationality Law
✔ Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
Languages: English • Russian • German
Initial Detention Evaluation — from $500 (credited towards representation if retained)
Includes:
Review of the available immigration records.
Review of criminal history (if applicable).
Analysis of the legal basis for ICE detention.
Determination of potential bond eligibility.
Identification of possible mandatory detention issues.
Evaluation of possible release options through ICE.
Preliminary evaluation of potential federal habeas corpus or other federal court claims, where appropriate.
Discussion of the strengths, risks, and available legal options.
Strategy conference with the family.
Guidance on documents and evidence to begin collecting.
Written action plan outlining the recommended next steps.
Attorney Visit — from $750
Administrative Request for Release from ICE Custody — from $750
Bond Hearing — Starting at $2,500 (depending on case complexity)
Federal Habeas Petition — from $3,500
📑 Important Documents to Gather
Before speaking with an attorney, try to collect:
📋 Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if available.
📋 Notice to Appear (NTA) or other immigration documents.
📋 Immigration Court paperwork.
📋 Criminal records (if applicable).
📋 Passport or other identity documents.
📋 Prior immigration decisions or orders.
📋 Medical records or documents supporting humanitarian concerns.
📋 Names and contact information of family members or potential sponsors.
🔗 Helpful Resources
🔍 ICE Online Detainee Locator
Locate a family member in ICE custody by name or Alien Registration Number (A-Number).
⚖️ EOIR Automated Case Information
Check Immigration Court hearing dates, case status, and decisions.
🏛 EOIR Immigration Court Directory
Find Immigration Court addresses, phone numbers, and contact information.
📋 EOIR Forms & Self-Help Resources
Access official immigration forms, instructions, and educational materials.
📖 Learn about the rights of individuals in ICE detention and access the ICE National Detainee Handbook (2026).