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FCI La Tuna
El Paso County - Federal Prison - Texas
Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna

Opened: 1932

Supervised by: Associate Warden David Fajardo

Total inmates: 1,130 total inmates; 657 at the FCI, 266 at the Camp and 207 at the FSL

Security: Low with Low Security Camp and Minimum Security Camp

Prison System: Federal Bureau of Prisons; South Central Region

Status: Active

Offender Gender: Male

Security Level: Low and Minimum

Distinguishing Feature: Physically, the La Tuna FCI looks very different from the stereotypical image of a federal prison.  It has Spanish mission architecture.   

La Tuna FCI and its two affiliated prison camps are low and minimum security facilities, which house male offenders, most of whom have been convicted of non-violent crimes.    

 

FCI La Tuna has three different facilities on a 640-acre property.  La Tuna FCI is a low security prison, La Tuna FSL is a low security prison camp, and La Tuna FPC is a minimum security prison camp.  The inmates live in dormitory-type facilities with access to common areas or day rooms, showers, sinks, and toilets.  Inmates may also have access to multi-purpose rooms or visiting rooms, libraries, and rooms designated for religious services. The FCI consists of 40 acres inside of a secure perimeter surrounded by double fences and razor ribbon, along with two armed patrol vehicles.  The FPC is partially secured with fencing.  The FSL has a secure, fenced perimeter so it can house low security inmates.  Most of the inmates at the FSL provide services for the nearby Fort Bliss military installation. 

            Generally, inmates and former inmates at La Tuna FCI and its two associated camps have positive reports about living conditions.  Inmates are given access to programming, none of the locations are known for violence, and inmates do not complain of the guards being inappropriate.  However, that does not mean that the prison experience is pleasant.  While serving a sentence for corruption and fraud charges, El Paso businessman Bob Jones wrote a series of letters, which were published in the El Paso Times.  Known as Letters from La Tuna, these letters were intended to dissuade people from criminal behavior by highlighting the reality of life behind bars. He describes harsh living conditions, including being handcuffed to his hospital bed the two times he was hospitalized during his incarceration.  However, he describes surprisingly caring relationships with his cellmates, who looked out for him and helped him through illnesses.

 

La Tuna FCI places an emphasis on re-entry programming, which includes some versions of job training for inmates.  However, inmates are capped in prison job opportunities by their educational level and be placed in certain positions until they have completed their GED programming if they entered prison without a GED or high school diploma.  Inmates have access to GED and ESL programming, which is necessary for Good Time credit and for access to higher-level education programming.  Some inmates may be required to complete a 30-hour drug education program and inmates with identified substance abuse problems will have access to substance abuse treatment.  Inmates who qualify may participate in a residential drug abuse treatment program. More information about prison programming can be found in the prison handbook.    

The Federal Bureau of Prisons does not maintain a prison industries program.  Inmates at La Tuna FCI are eligible for prison work units and inmates at La Tuna FSL work at Fort Bliss.  Inmate jobs are linked to history, educational level, and grade.  A full description of inmate job opportunities can be found in the prison handbook.   

La Tuna FCI initially opened in 1932 as a detention farm. In 1938, it became a federal correctional institution for male low security inmates and has functioned in that capacity since that time.  La Tuna has expanded to include two satellite facilities. 

 Businessman Bob Jones may be the most famous inmate from La Tuna. 

Find an Inmate The Bureau of Prisons maintains an inmate locator service.

Send Money to an Inmate  All money at for prisoners in federal prisons must be processed through a central processing facility in Des Moines. 

Purchase Commissary Items for an Inmate  Prisoners can purchase their own commissary items with funds in their inmate trust accounts; this link will take you to a list of items available in the prison commissary.  Commissary purchases are limited to $320 per month as well as limits to particular items, which are stated on the commissary sheets.

Visit an Inmate  Visitation hours at La Tuna FCI are: 8am-3pm Saturday, Sunday, Monday and holidays.  Because visitation may be restricted for safety and security and inmates who are being disciplined may have limited visitation, visitors can call 915-791-9000 to confirm visiting hours.    

Receive calls from an Inmate  Information on inmate phone calls, including how to get on the phone call list, can be found in the prison’s handbook. La Tuna uses the ITS system.  Inmates with previous ITS call lists will retain the same lists when transferred to La Tuna.

Email an Inmate Inmates in Bureau of Prisons facilities, including La Tuna have access to Trulincs, a system that permits electronic correspondence that is similar to email or text messaging.

 

 


Year Built or Opened: 1932 Warden or Supervisor: Associate Warden David Fajardo Daily Inmate Count: 1,130 Security Level(s): low - minimum

PO Box 3000
Anthony, TX 88021

Phone Number(s): 915-791-9000
Fax Number: 915-791-9758
Email Address: lat/[email protected]

8500 Doniphan Road
Anthony, TX 79821