Willacy Interagency Governmental Service Agreement Facility

About our facility

The facility was opened on July 31, 2006 in support of Operation Jump Start and the Secure Border Initiative. These initiatives were designed to protect American borders, reduce the number of illegal migration into the U.S and put an end to the catch and release of illegal immigrants. The site broke ground in June and within 45 days it was opened for the first 500 detainees; all El Salvadoran males. The Willacy Immigration Detention Facility is the first of its kind and the largest for the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The camp capacity consists of 2000 beds, with 500 of those being female beds. There are 10 dormitories; 4 pods to each dorm holding 50 detainees in each pod. The dorms are constructed from steel beams covered with a tough water resistant fabric. They are fully air conditioned and have all the amenities of ranch style living.

The patient population consists mainly of both healthy adult males and females. The average length of stay is approximately 21 days. A health screening is performed at the Harlingen Staging Facility prior to admission to Willacy. The health screening includes use of digital radiography to determine Tuberculosis exposure.

Meet our staff and see what we do

Operated by the Division of Immigration Health Services, the 6200 sq ft ambulatory clinic is staffed by US Public Health Service Officers, and STG contract staff. Full ambulatory healthcare services are provided on a 24/7 basis by a team of dedicated, hard working health care professionals. These services are delivered in a correctional setting, providing an optimal level of safety and security for both staff and residents.

The medical facility staff is committed to working together with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Management & Training Corporation personnel in order to carry out our mission of providing health care and public health services in support of immigration law enforcement.

Our Location

The Willacy Immigration Detention Facility is located on 53 acres of land and is situated in the North Rio Grande Valley; 21 miles north of Harlingen, 60 miles southwest of McAllen and less than one hour away from Mexico.

Currently 9,500 residents live in Raymondville. Twenty-one miles south of Raymondville is Harlingen, with a population of 60,000 residents. The city of Corpus Christi is the closest largest city with over 277,454 residents. Corpus Christi is approximately 91 miles North of Raymondville.

Places to go, People to see

Rio Grande Valley's near tropical climate with mild winters, serves as an attraction for travelers, tourists and entrepreneurs looking for new business ventures and development projects. McAllen, population 125,000, is the fastest growing city in the valley and the closest for a day out on the town.

South Padre Island, home of Spring Break, warm gulf waters, and glistening sands is the major attraction of the Rio Grande Valley and is thought to be the "the most fantastic vacation spot in the world." Just 50 miles south of Raymondville, 10,000-15,000 party goers embark upon South Padre Island yearly to participate in and enjoy the yearly festivities of Spring Break. There is so much more! Fishing, scuba diving, boating, shopping; something for all ages to do; boredom is not an option! An open invitation filled with hospitality awaits you in the Rio Grande Valley.

To learn more

To find out about employment opportunities with the Division of Immigration Health Services in Raymondville, TX, please contact us at the address below: