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FCI Atlanta Low and Detention Center (ICE)

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)

Last Updated: May 08, 2026
Address
601 McDonough Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Beds
1956
County
Fulton
Phone
404-635-5100
Fax
404-331-2403
Email
ATL-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov
Mailing Address
PO Box 150160, Atlanta, GA 30315
View Official Website

FCI Atlanta is for Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offenders found guilty of a federal crime and sentenced to incarceration in accordance with the Department of Justice Sentencing Guidelines.

All prisons and jails have Security or Custody levels depending on the inmate’s classification, sentence, and criminal history. Please review the rules and regulations for federal low facility.

The phone carrier is Trulincs, to see their rates and best-calling plans for your inmate to call you.

If you are seeking to send your inmate money for commissary, one recommended for this facility is MoneyGram There is a fee for sending money, see their rates and limitations.

If you are unsure of your inmate's location, you can search and locate your inmate by typing in their last name, first name or first initial, and/or the offender ID number to get their accurate information immediately Registered Offenders

Looking for an inmate at this facility? Visitation Information, Times and Rules
Satellite View of FCI Atlanta Low and Detention Center (ICE)
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Official Resources

Nearby Facilities

If your loved one is at FCI Atlanta, InmateAid can help you stay connected. Call the facility directly at 404-635-5100 with any immediate questions.

FCI Atlanta, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a federal correctional institution managed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This page provides essential information for those seeking details about inmate services, visitation guidelines, and facility contact information.

Questions About This Facility

FCI Atlanta, officially known as the Federal Correctional Institution Atlanta, is one of the oldest and most historically significant federal prisons in the United States. Located in southeast Atlanta, Georgia, the prison first opened in 1902 and remains one of the original three federal penitentiaries established after Congress created the federal prison system. Operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the facility is a low-security federal prison for male inmates with an adjacent detention center and administrative components that also house detainees for the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through federal interagency agreements. Public Bureau of Prisons records identify the institution as having an inmate population and operational capacity of approximately 1,700 inmates and detainees combined, although those figures fluctuate depending on federal detention demands and housing classifications. The institution is currently overseen by Acting Warden Donald Murphy, who manages operations alongside BOP administrative staff and federal correctional personnel. FCI Atlanta is currently one of several facilities, including the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City, that house prisoners being transferred between prisons.

The prison complex contains secure housing units, special housing sections, medical and mental health clinics, intake and transportation areas, visitation operations, educational facilities, recreation spaces, food service operations, and administrative offices supporting around-the-clock federal detention operations. In addition to sentenced federal inmates, FCI Atlanta periodically houses ICE detainees awaiting immigration proceedings or transfer under DHS authority.

While FCI Atlanta doesn't offer the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), it provides drug education classes, non-residential drug abuse programs, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Educational opportunities include literacy, GED, ESL programs, as well as Adult Continuing Education and parenting programs. Advanced occupational education is available in Custodial Maintenance, with vocational training in Basic Custodial Maintenance, Electrical, and HVAC.

Educational opportunities inside the institution include GED courses, vocational training, parenting programs, anger management classes, occupational training, and various reentry-focused initiatives intended to prepare inmates for release back into society. Because of its age and central location in Atlanta, the prison has long functioned as both a major correctional institution and a transportation hub within the federal prison system.

FCI Atlanta has housed some of the most notorious inmates in American criminal history over the past century. Famous former inmates include Charles Ponzi, whose financial fraud scheme gave rise to the term “Ponzi scheme,” legendary con artist Frank Abagnale of Catch Me If You Can fame, organized crime figures connected to early Mafia operations, former MLB player Willie Aikens, rapper B.G., and Charles Harrelson, the convicted federal judge assassin and father of actor Woody Harrelson. In the 1980s, it detained Cuban refugees from the Mariel Boatlift, leading to a riot in November 1987. Other notable inmates are Jimmy Burke (Robert De Niro in Goodfellas), associated with the Lucchese crime family, and Whitey Bulger, former Boss of the Boston Irish mob. Housing at USP Atlanta consists of one and two-person cells.

The prison has also experienced significant controversy over the years involving overcrowding, aging infrastructure, inmate violence, staffing shortages, and repeated federal investigations into conditions inside the institution. Despite those challenges, FCI Atlanta remains one of the Bureau of Prisons’ most recognizable facilities and continues playing a major role in federal incarceration, inmate rehabilitation, and immigration detention operations in the southeastern United States.

ICE Detainee Information

This facility holds immigration detainees under an active contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in addition to its regular population. ICE detainees are civil immigration detainees, not criminal defendants, and are held while their immigration cases are processed. The rules, rights, and services that apply to ICE detainees differ from those that apply to the general jail population.

To locate an ICE detainee at this facility, use the ICE Online Detainee Locator at locator.ice.gov. You will need the detainee's A-Number, a nine-digit Alien Registration Number that appears on any immigration document they have received. If the A-Number has fewer than nine digits, add zeros at the beginning. If you do not have the A-Number, you can search using the detainee's full legal name, country of birth, and date of birth. Names must be an exact match; try variations if the first search returns no results.

Immigration bond works differently from criminal bail. Not all detainees are eligible for bond; those with certain criminal convictions or prior deportation orders may be subject to mandatory detention. For those who are eligible, bond is set by an immigration judge and typically ranges from $1,500 to over $10,000. Bond must be paid in full before release. An immigration attorney can request a bond hearing and argue for a lower amount based on the detainee's circumstances.

Unlike criminal defendants, ICE detainees do not have the right to a government-appointed attorney. They must hire a private immigration attorney or find free legal help through a nonprofit organization. RAICES provides legal services and bond assistance at raicestexas.org. The National Immigrant Justice Center offers free legal representation at immigrantjustice.org. Many immigration courts also maintain a list of free and low-cost legal service providers available to detainees upon request.

ICE transfers detainees between facilities frequently and with little advance notice, sometimes to locations far from family and legal counsel. If you cannot locate your family member through this page, search the ICE Online Detainee Locator again at locator.ice.gov with their A-Number. If they have an attorney, notify the attorney immediately as transfers affect court appearances and case timelines.

Library services comprise leisure and law libraries, offering reading materials and access to the TRULINCS Electronic Law Library. UNICOR employs inmates in various roles, including industry workers and clerks. The commissary allows inmates to spend up to $360 per month on items, with weekly shopping permitted. Recreation services include indoor and outdoor activities, such as arts and crafts, intramural sports, and access to musical instruments.

There are four different commissary lists:

Table of Contents for FCI Atlanta

Inmate Locator

FCI Atlanta Low and Detention Center (ICE) is a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. To search for an inmate, enter their full legal name or their eight-digit BOP Register Number (xxxxx-xxx) at bop.gov. The Register Number appears on court documents and returns faster, more precise results than a name search.

If the BOP locator does not return results, use the InmateAid Inmate Search tool. This database covers inmates across federal, state, and county facilities nationwide and does not require an account or sign-up.. This free inmate locator.

For the fastest and most comprehensive inmate search, use the Arrest Record Search tool. Records are updated frequently and include booking data, charges, and current custody status across thousands of facilities nationwide.

Visitation Information

Visitation Information - FCI Atlanta

Facility Contacts

ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer: 404-635-5100 Legal scheduling email (visits, calls, VTC): ATL-JailAdministrator-S@bop.gov

Note on Friend and Family Visits

This facility is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), not a county or contract operator. Friend and family visit hours and procedures are governed by BOP policy. For current visiting hours and protocols, check FCI Atlanta's information page directly through the BOP website.

Who Can Visit

You can only visit a detainee at FCI Atlanta if the detainee has placed you on their visitor list and BOP has cleared you in advance. BOP has its own rules on who can visit, what to wear, how long visits last, conduct expectations, and physical contact. Review the BOP guide "How to visit a federal inmate" before planning a visit.

Visiting Rules

No firearms or weapons of any kind. No electronic devices (cell phones, pagers, radios) in secure areas. Visitors cannot pass anything to detainees or carry items into the visitation area.

Every visitor is subject to a pat-down, bag inspection, and metal scan. Refusing a search means you will not be admitted.

Attorney Visits

Attorneys can visit Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., without an appointment. Other days and times require an appointment so BOP staff can facilitate the visit. Even on the no-appointment days, scheduling ahead is encouraged.

You must arrive before 2 p.m. to be processed into the institution.

Computers are available in the legal visitation room for reviewing materials. Any electronic files must be on a disk or thumb drive set to "READ ONLY." Attorneys can bring in a laptop only on Monday through Friday, and only with the Warden's approval. If you plan to bring a laptop, note that in your scheduling email and submit the request as far in advance as possible.

A list of pro bono legal organizations is posted in every housing unit and updated quarterly. Detainees are responsible for contacting these organizations to schedule appointments.

Scheduling a Legal Visit

Email ATL-JailAdministrator-S@bop.gov at least one business day before the desired visit.

Subject line: "Legal visit request for inmate [full name], [BOP Register Number]"

Body must include: the inmate's name and BOP Register Number, the attorney's name, bar number, the jurisdiction in which the attorney is licensed, how that information can be verified, and the attorney's telephone number. To schedule a visit with more than one inmate on the same day, include each inmate's name and BOP Register Number.

Scheduling Legal Phone Calls

Email ATL-JailAdministrator-S@bop.gov.

Subject line: "Legal call request for inmate [full name], [BOP Register Number]"

Body must include: the inmate's name and BOP Register Number, the attorney's name, bar number, jurisdiction of licensure, verification method, telephone number, and preferred date and time for the call.

Scheduling Legal Video Conferences

All VTC conferences must run on a secure line with a SIP number. Zoom for Government and Webex meet the security requirements. Standard Zoom is not permitted.

VTC conferences are scheduled based on BOP staff availability.

Email ATL-JailAdministrator-S@bop.gov.

Subject line: "Legal VTC conference request for inmate [full name], [BOP Register Number]"

Body must include: the inmate's name and BOP Register Number, the attorney's name, bar number, jurisdiction of licensure, verification method, telephone number, preferred date and time, intended video platform, and the SIP number for the secure line.

Electronic Legal Documents

BOP has specific rules for when an inmate can receive electronic legal materials from an attorney. Review the guidance and acceptable formats on BOP's eDiscovery page.

Consular Visits

Consular officials can meet with their nationals at any time. Call the ICE Supervisory Deportation Officer at 404-635-5100 to make arrangements when possible, and bring credentials.

Clergy Visits

Clergy can visit at any time but must arrange the visit ahead of time through the Chaplain's Office.

Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Atlanta Low and Detention Center (ICE)

  1. What is a federal prison?
      A federal prison is a correctional facility operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to house individuals convicted of federal crimes. These offenses include drug trafficking across state lines, white-collar crimes, terrorism, bank robbery, and other federal violations. Unlike state prisons, federal prisons operate under standardized regulations and typically have more structured programming.

  2. How do federal prisons differ from state prisons?
      Federal prisons are managed by the BOP and house inmates convicted of violating federal laws, while state prisons house those convicted of state crimes. Federal facilities tend to have more uniform security classifications and rehabilitation programs, while state prisons vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, federal inmates often serve longer sentences with less opportunity for parole, as federal sentencing guidelines are stricter.

  3. What are the security levels in federal prisons?
      The BOP classifies federal prisons into five security levels:

    • Minimum (Federal Prison Camps - FPCs): Low-risk inmates with non-violent offenses, dormitory-style housing, and little supervision.
    • Low (FCIs - Low): More security than camps, with fences, dorm-style housing, and work programs.
    • Medium (FCIs - Medium): Higher security, cell housing, increased staff monitoring, and more restricted movement.
    • High (United States Penitentiaries - USPs): Maximum security, with high walls, armed guards, and strict inmate movement restrictions.
    • Administrative Facilities (ADX, MCC, MDC, FMCs): Used for medical care, high-risk inmates, or those requiring extreme isolation (e.g., ADX Florence Supermax).

  4. What is ADX Florence, and why is it considered the most secure prison?
      ADX Florence, also known as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies,” is a supermax facility in Colorado that houses the most dangerous federal inmates, including terrorists and high-profile criminals. It has 23-hour solitary confinement, soundproof cells, and minimal human interaction to prevent escapes or inmate violence.

  5. Can federal inmates earn early release?
      Federal inmates can reduce their sentences through good conduct time (GCT), participation in rehabilitation programs, and the First Step Act. However, unlike state prisons, parole was eliminated from the federal system in 1987, meaning inmates must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being released on supervised release.

  6. How do phone calls work in federal prisons?
      Federal inmates can make outgoing calls only to approved numbers using the Corrlincs system, managed by providers such as GTL (ViaPath) and Securus or the BOP itself. Calls are limited to 15 minutes per call and 300 minutes per month, with costs varying between $0.06 to $0.21 per minute depending on the location. Using a LOCAL number gets the six-cents-per-minute rate. Get a local number from InmateAId for only $5.00. All calls are monitored and recorded, except for attorney-client calls.

  7. Can federal inmates send and receive mail?
      Yes, inmates can send and receive mail, but all non-legal mail is screened for contraband. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be shipped directly from an approved vendor like Amazon or InmateAid. Legal mail is not read but may be inspected in the presence of the inmate.

  8. What are the visitation rules for federal prisons?
      Visitation is allowed, but visitors must be pre-approved and follow strict guidelines, including dress codes, behavioral rules, and security screenings. Some institutions offer non-contact visits (separated by glass), while others allow contact visits with limited physical interaction. Visits can be terminated if rules are violated.

  9. How do family members send money to federal inmates?
      Funds can be deposited into an inmate’s account using Western Union, MoneyGram, or the BOP’s online deposit system called Trulincs. Family members can also send postal money orders to the Federal Bureau of Prisons centralized processing facility in Des Moines, Iowa.

  10. Do federal prisons provide healthcare?
      Yes, federal prisons provide basic medical, dental, and mental health care, with certain facilities designated for serious medical conditions (FMCs – Federal Medical Centers). Emergency treatment may require transfer to an outside hospital, and some medications are restricted based on security concerns.

  11. Do federal inmates have access to education and work programs?
      Yes, federal prisons offer GED programs, college correspondence courses, and vocational training. Inmates can work through UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries), earning $0.12 to $1.15 per hour for jobs in textiles, manufacturing, or recycling. Participation in these programs can also help reduce sentence time under the First Step Act.

  12. What happens if an inmate breaks the rules in a federal prison?
      Disciplinary actions range from loss of privileges (phone, commissary, visitation) to solitary confinement (SHU - Special Housing Unit). More serious infractions can lead to criminal charges or additional prison time.

  13. Can federal inmates transfer to a different facility?
      Transfers can happen for security reasons, medical needs, overcrowding, or disciplinary actions. Inmates may also request a transfer closer to family, but approval depends on the BOP’s evaluation.

  14. What kind of food do federal inmates receive?
      Federal prisons follow National Menu guidelines, providing three meals per day, including vegetarian and religious dietary options. Some facilities allow inmates to purchase snacks and specialty foods from the commissary.

  15. Can federal inmates own personal property?
      Inmates are allowed limited personal items such as eyeglasses, religious materials, and authorized hygiene products. Commissary purchases may include headphones, radios, and writing supplies.

  16. Do federal inmates have internet access?
      No, federal inmates do not have direct internet access. However, they can use Trulincs, a secure email system, to communicate with approved contacts. Emails are monitored and cost approximately $0.05 per minute of usage time.

  17. Are federal prisons overcrowded?
      Many federal prisons operate above capacity, leading to shared cells, increased inmate tensions, and limited access to rehabilitation programs. Overcrowding is a major concern, prompting calls for criminal justice reform and alternative sentencing.

  18. What happens when a federal inmate is released?
      Inmates are usually transferred to a halfway house or placed on supervised release to help reintegrate into society. They may receive job placement assistance, housing referrals, and continued mental health treatment if needed.

  19. Can federal inmates vote?
      No, federal inmates cannot vote while incarcerated. However, voting rights may be restored after release, depending on the state’s policies regarding felon disenfranchisement.

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