Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna: Overview
The Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna (FCI La Tuna) is a low-security federal prison located in Anthony, Texas, close to the New Mexico border. It primarily houses male inmates and includes an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp. Established in 1932, the institution is one of the older federal prisons in the U.S. Initially built as a satellite of Leavenworth Penitentiary, FCI La Tuna has expanded over the years and plays a key role in the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ correctional system.
The facility provides housing for over 1,000 inmates in its main institution and satellite locations, focusing on rehabilitation through educational and vocational programs. Inmates can also access health services, including medical and psychological care.
Contact Information for Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
- Address: 8500 Doniphan Road, Anthony, TX 79821
- Phone: 915-791-9000
- Fax: 915-791-9858
- Email: LAT-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov
- Mailing Address for Inmates:
Inmate Name & Registration Number
FCI La Tuna
P.O. Box 3000
Anthony, NM 88021
Visiting Information for Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
Visiting an inmate at FCI La Tuna can be a vital part of maintaining family and community ties. Visits are allowed on weekends, the first Monday of each month, and federal holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It’s essential to check with the facility in advance, as schedules may change based on operational needs. Visitors must be on an approved list and provide valid photo ID at check-in.
What to Bring to a Visit
Visitors are required to follow a dress code and can bring minimal items into the visiting area. Personal belongings such as wallets and phones are not permitted.
Duration of Visits
Each visit typically lasts for the entire day (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.), though this may be shorter during busy periods.
How to Book a Visit at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
Booking a visit at FCI La Tuna requires the inmate to add you to their approved visitor list. Once approved, you can attend on the designated visiting days. Contact the institution in advance to confirm visiting times. You’ll need a government-issued ID, and visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Directions and Parking at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
FCI La Tuna is located at 8500 Doniphan Road, about 12 miles north of El Paso, Texas. To reach the facility from Interstate 10, take Exit 162, and follow Highway 20 until you arrive at Doniphan Road. Parking is available for visitors near the main entrance, and the facility is accessible by car, but there are no public transportation options directly to the prison.
What is Life Like for a Prisoner at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna?
Life inside FCI La Tuna includes a regimented schedule focusing on rehabilitation and reentry programs. Inmates can participate in educational classes, vocational training, and substance abuse programs like the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Despite these opportunities, like many federal facilities, FCI La Tuna has faced challenges, such as complaints regarding labor conditions and occasional health issues, including a past COVID-19 outbreak.
Famous Prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
FCI La Tuna has housed a few high-profile inmates over the years. One of the most notable was Benjamin Hoskins Paddock, a bank robber who was on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. He was the father of Stephen Paddock, the perpetrator of the Las Vegas shooting. Another notable inmate was George Jung, a major player in the U.S. cocaine trade, whose life was depicted in the film Blow.
FAQs about Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna
Where is Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna located? FCI La Tuna is in Anthony, Texas, near the New Mexico border, about 12 miles north of El Paso.
What security level is Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? It is a low-security federal prison with an adjacent minimum-security satellite camp.
How can I send mail to an inmate at FCI La Tuna? Mail should be addressed to the inmate using their full name and registration number, and sent to FCI La Tuna, P.O. Box 3000, Anthony, NM 88021.
What are the visiting hours at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? Visiting hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, federal holidays, and the first Monday of each month.
How can I send money to an inmate at FCI La Tuna? Money cannot be sent directly to the facility but can be deposited through services like Western Union or sent to the National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa.
How do I get to Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? Take Exit 162 off Interstate 10, and follow Highway 20 to Doniphan Road. The facility is about 15 miles from El Paso.
What programs are available for inmates at FCI La Tuna? FCI La Tuna offers educational programs, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment, including the RDAP program.
Is there a dress code for visiting Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? Yes, visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Revealing clothing, such as shorts and sleeveless tops, is not allowed.
Can inmates make phone calls from Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? Inmates can make outbound calls through the Trulincs system, subject to official policy.
Are there any famous prisoners at Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna? Yes, notable prisoners have included George Jung, a major figure in the U.S. cocaine trade, and Benjamin Hoskins Paddock, a notorious bank robber.
Conclusion
Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna offers a range of services and programs for inmates, with visiting options to help maintain community and family connections. Despite its challenges, it remains an integral part of the federal prison system.
For further reading: Learn more about the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ operations and guidelines on their