Kenton County Detention Center is an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) detention facility located in Covington, Kentucky. It falls under the Chicago Field Office ERO field office area of responsibility.
Facility quick reference
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Facility name | Kenton County Detention Center |
| Street address | 3000 Decker Crane Lane |
| City, State, ZIP | Covington, KY 41017 |
| Facility main phone | (859) 363-2400 |
| ERO field office main phone | (872) 351-3990 |
| ERO field office | Chicago Field Office |
| ICE detainee locator | locator.ice.gov |
| Official ICE page | ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/kenton-county-detention-center |
| Last verified | 2026-05-27 |
How to locate or contact a detainee
To locate someone in ICE custody, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System at locator.ice.gov. You will need the person’s A-number (Alien Registration Number) and country of birth, or their full name, country of birth, and date of birth.
To reach a detainee held at this facility, call (859) 363-2400 and leave the detainee’s full name, A-number, and a phone number where you can be reached; the facility relays the message. Detainees cannot receive incoming calls — they place outgoing calls themselves. Have the person’s biographical information ready when you call (full legal name and any aliases, date of birth, and country of birth). Contact and visitation hours vary by facility — confirm current hours by calling (859) 363-2400 or checking the official ICE page linked above.
Sending mail, commissary funds, and personal items
Letters and packages sent to a detainee must show the detainee’s full name, the last four digits of their A-number, and the housing unit/bunk number, along with the sender’s name and return address. All incoming mail is inspected for contraband — it is opened and screened but not read. Detainees may send and seal their own outgoing mail. Rules for commissary (account) deposits and permitted personal items vary by facility; confirm the current procedure and any approved vendor by calling (859) 363-2400 before sending money or items.
Legal access, attorneys, and immigration court information
Detainees have the right to speak with an attorney, and attorney–client visits and calls are confidential. For information about a case before the immigration court (EOIR), call the automated hotline 1-800-898-7180 (have the A-number ready). For a matter before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), call (703) 305-0289. Applications for relief from removal must be filed directly with the immigration court handling the case. If you cannot afford an attorney, the immigration court can provide a list of pro bono legal service providers — see the related resources below.
Feedback, complaints, and oversight
To report a concern about conditions at this facility or the conduct of an ICE or contract employee, contact the ERO Chicago Field Office that oversees this facility, or file a complaint with the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) at [email protected], or the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) hotline at 1-800-323-8603. Complaints can be filed regardless of immigration status.
Related procedural resources
- Know Your Rights — what to do if ICE detains you: /know-your-rights/
- EOIR immigration court schedules and procedures: /immigration-court/
- BIA-recognized legal-aid organizations in Kentucky: /legal-aid/bia-recognized/by-state/ky/
- Other ICE detention facilities in Kentucky: /ice-detention/by-state/ky/
- All facilities under the Chicago Field Office: /ice-detention/by-ero-field-office/chicago/
Frequently asked questions
How do I locate a detainee at Kenton County Detention Center?
What are visiting hours at Kenton County Detention Center?
Can an attorney visit a detainee outside posted visiting hours?
What is the difference between the facility phone and the ERO Field Office phone?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.