GETTING INVOLVED IN DETENTION VISITATION
WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
Detention Visitation volunteers respond to requests for visits to individuals detained at the ICE facility in Karnes City, TX. If we have sufficient volunteer capacity, we can also visit Pearsall. Typically, these are individuals who do not have family members or friends able to visit them. We go to provide a kind and caring presence, to share conversation, and to support and encourage them during their detention. Visits are coordinated collaboratively among the visitation team. The schedule can be fairly flexible including weekend opportunities.
GETTING STARTED
New volunteers:
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Register to volunteer with IWC on GivePulse:
Existing volunteers with a GivePulse account:
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Register for the Detention Visitation event on our GivePulse site.
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Contact Katie Myers at chair@interfaithwelcomecoalition.org if you have issues finding it.
Requirements:
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All volunteers must have a current IWC background check. If it’s been awhile since you had one, IWC will run a new one.
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You need to have a valid Government issued ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to enter the facility.
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Spanish language or other second language skills are very valuable. English speakers can participate in pairs with others.
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Reliable transportation is a must.The detention facilities are located about an hour south of San Antonio.
An online orientation will be scheduled later in September for new registrants to the Detention Visitation program.
We do not recommend this program for anyone who does not have a secure immigration status.
Read Stories About Actual Detention Visitation Experiences
