Broward Transitional Center Inmate Search helps families, friends, and legal representatives locate individuals detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pompano Beach, Florida. The facility at 2950 Northeast 55th Street holds up to 700 detainees awaiting asylum hearings, court appearances, or removal proceedings. Contact the center directly at (954) 973‑4485 during business hours—Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time—for questions about visitation, mail, medical care, or commissary services. A second line, (954) 464‑1152, handles visitation requests only. All visitors must submit an application at least ten days in advance and present a government-issued photo ID at entry.
How to Search for an Inmate at Broward Transitional Center
Multiple online tools help locate detainees quickly. The ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) updates every hour and allows searches using an Alien Registration Number (A‑Number), full name, or case number. Results show the current facility, housing unit, and estimated release date. GEO Group, the private operator of the center, also maintains a public roster listing active detainees, booking dates, and housing assignments. Jail Exchange offers a user-friendly portal where users can search by name, A‑Number, or case number and view intake details. Pigeonly aggregates the same data and adds services like sending money, buying phone minutes, and writing letters—all processed within 48 hours.
Visitation Rules and Procedures
Visits at Broward Transitional Center require advance planning. Applications must be submitted electronically at least ten days before the scheduled visit. Approved visitors receive a digital badge valid for the duration of the detainee’s stay. Each session allows a maximum of two visitors and takes place in a designated recreation area. Visitation hours are split into three daily blocks, each lasting two hours. All visitors undergo random security screenings. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian with proper identification. No food, gifts, or electronic devices are permitted during visits.
Sending Mail and Packages
Detainees may receive letters and approved reading materials. All mail must include the sender’s full name and return address. Write the detainee’s full name, A‑Number, and facility address clearly on the envelope:
Broward Transitional Center
2950 Northeast 55th Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33073
Photographs, magazines, and books must come directly from publishers or retailers. No Polaroids, explicit content, or items that could pose a security risk are allowed. All incoming mail is inspected. Outgoing mail is collected daily and processed within 24 hours.
Commissary and Financial Services
Inmates can purchase toiletries, snacks, and recreational items from the commissary using funds deposited into their account. Family members can add money by calling Western Union at 1‑800‑634‑3422 (press option 2) or using the online portal on the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website. When paying by phone, provide the inmate’s full name, booking number, date of birth, and specify “commissary” as the purpose. Use code “CANTEEN, FL.” Payments post within 24 hours. Receipts are emailed automatically. Pigeonly also offers a secure platform for sending money, phone minutes, and digital letters.
Legal Access and Court Information
Detainees have the right to legal representation. The facility provides access to attorneys and legal aid organizations. Staff can confirm whether a lawyer is listed on the detainee’s approved contact list. Court dates, including master calendar hearings and individual merit hearings, are coordinated with the Department of Justice. Families should monitor the ICE ODLS for updates on transfer or release dates. Legal documents must be sent directly to the facility or submitted through approved legal channels.
Medical and Mental Health Services
Broward Transitional Center offers 24-hour emergency medical care through an on-site clinic. Routine exams, prescription medications, and mental health counseling are available. Detainees can request medical attention at any time. Serious conditions may result in transfer to an outside hospital. Families concerned about a detainee’s health should contact the facility’s medical coordinator during business hours. All medical records are confidential and protected under federal law.
Broward County Arrest Database vs. ICE Detention
It is important to distinguish between local arrests and ICE detention. The Broward County Sheriff’s Office maintains a separate database for individuals booked into the county jail within the past 72 hours. This system shows arrest photos, charges, bond amounts, and booking facilities. However, it does not include ICE detainees held at the Transitional Center. Always use ICE-specific tools like the ODLS or GEO’s roster for immigration-related searches. Confusing the two systems can delay locating a loved one.
Using Jail Exchange for Inmate Lookup
Jail Exchange provides a free search tool for federal inmates, including those at Broward Transitional Center. Users enter a name, A‑Number, or case number to view basic intake details. The site displays expected release dates, housing units, and case milestones. It also links to legal resources and visitation guidelines. While the data is reliable, always verify critical information by calling the facility directly. Jail Exchange does not process payments or handle visitation requests.
GEO Group’s Official Inmate Roster
The GEO Group, which operates the center under contract with ICE, publishes a real-time inmate roster on its partner sites. This list includes current detainees, booking dates, and housing assignments. Contact numbers (954) 973‑4485 and (954) 464‑1152 are provided for inquiries. The roster is updated multiple times daily but may lag by a few hours during high-volume periods. For urgent matters, calling the facility remains the fastest option.
ICE Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS)
The ODLS is the most authoritative source for locating ICE detainees nationwide. It refreshes every hour and requires an A‑Number, full name, or case number. Results show the exact facility, unit, and estimated release or transfer date. The system also lists contact information for the facility’s public affairs office and links to legal aid. Always double-check spelling and numbers when entering data. Incorrect entries return no results.
Broward County Department of Detention Overview
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office runs the thirteenth-largest local jail system in the U.S. and holds national accreditation. It houses over 5,500 inmates annually and offers GED classes, substance abuse treatment, and mental health counseling. While this system is separate from the ICE-run Transitional Center, some individuals may transfer between facilities. Monthly reports detail intake numbers, average stays, and recidivism rates. These statistics help researchers and advocates track trends in local incarceration.
StateCourts.org Inmate Records
StateCourts.org compiles public records from federal and state sources, including the Bureau of Prisons and Florida Department of Corrections. Users can search for inmates by name or BOP ID. The site links directly to official locators and advises confirming visitation approval five days in advance. While useful, it is not an official government portal. Always verify details with the facility or ICE.
Visitation Scheduling and Approval Process
To schedule a visit, complete the electronic application on the official Broward Transitional Center webpage. Upload a government-issued photo ID and wait 7–10 business days for approval. Approved visitors receive a digital badge via email. Present this badge and physical ID at the entrance. Visits occur in a supervised area with strict time limits. Late arrivals may be denied entry. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance.
Pigeonly Services for Detainees
Pigeonly offers free inmate lookup and paid communication services. Search by name or A‑Number to view housing location and court dates. Send money, buy phone minutes, or write letters through their secure platform. All transactions complete within 48 hours. Customer support operates 24/7. The service is especially helpful for families in remote areas or those needing quick financial transfers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many users confuse local jails with ICE detention centers. Always confirm which agency holds the individual. Use ICE tools for immigration cases. Double-check A‑Numbers—they are nine digits long and start with a letter. Misspelled names or wrong numbers return no results. Avoid calling outside business hours; staff cannot assist after 4 p.m. Do not send cash or personal items through the mail. Only use approved payment methods.
Emergency Contacts and Hours
For urgent matters, call (954) 973‑4485 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. After hours, leave a message or contact ICE’s national hotline. The on-site information desk assists walk-ins during business hours. Visitation requests go to (954) 464‑1152. All calls are recorded for security purposes.
Official Website: https://www.ice.gov/detain/detention-facilities/broward-transitional-center
Phone: (954) 973‑4485
Visitation Line: (954) 464‑1152
Address: 2950 Northeast 55th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33073
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Eastern
Frequently Asked Questions
Families often have questions about locating detainees, sending money, or arranging visits. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on current ICE policies and facility procedures.
How do I find out if someone is detained at Broward Transitional Center?
Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System and enter the person’s A‑Number, full name, or case number. The system updates hourly and shows the current facility, unit, and estimated release date. You can also call (954) 973‑4485 during business hours. Staff will confirm custody status and provide basic information. Always have the detainee’s full name and A‑Number ready. Without this, staff may not release details due to privacy rules.
Can I visit a detainee without being on the approved list?
No. All visitors must be pre-approved. Submit an electronic application at least ten days before the visit. Include a government-issued photo ID. Approval takes 7–10 business days. Only approved visitors receive a digital badge. At entry, show the badge and physical ID. Children under 18 need a parent or guardian present. Walk-in visits are not allowed. Unapproved individuals will be turned away.
How long does it take for money to reach an inmate’s account?
Payments made by phone through Western Union post within 24 hours. Online deposits via the Sheriff’s portal or Pigeonly also process in 24 hours. Use code “CANTEEN, FL” and provide the inmate’s name, booking number, and date of birth. Receipts are emailed automatically. Funds can be used immediately for commissary purchases. Delays may occur during holidays or system outages. Call customer service if funds don’t appear after 48 hours.
What happens if a detainee needs medical care?
The facility has an on-site clinic with 24-hour emergency services. Detainees can request medical attention at any time. Routine care, prescriptions, and mental health counseling are available. Serious cases may require transfer to a hospital. Families should contact the medical coordinator during business hours for updates. All records are confidential. Staff cannot discuss specifics without the detainee’s consent.
Can I send books or magazines to a detainee?
Yes, but only if they come directly from publishers or retailers. No used books, handwritten notes, or third-party packages are allowed. All materials are inspected for contraband. Avoid explicit content or materials that could pose a security risk. Label packages with the detainee’s full name and A‑Number. Send to: Broward Transitional Center, 2950 NE 55th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33073. Books sent from individuals will be returned or discarded.
What if the Online Detainee Locator shows no results?
Double-check the A‑Number, name spelling, and case number. Ensure you’re using the correct search tool—ICE ODLS for immigration detainees, not local jail databases. If still no results, call (954) 973‑4485. The person may be in transit, recently released, or held under a different identifier. Staff can verify status and provide next steps. Keep records of all attempts for follow-up.
Are phone calls allowed at Broward Transitional Center?
Yes, detainees can make outgoing calls using prepaid accounts. Family members can purchase minutes through Pigeonly or other approved vendors. Calls are monitored and limited to 15 minutes during peak hours. Incoming calls are not permitted. All calls must be in English or have an interpreter present. Phone access may be restricted for disciplinary reasons. Check with the facility for current policies.