Federal Correctional Institution, La Tuna, is a low-security facility located on U.S. Texas Highway 20 and Interstate 10, 16 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 25 miles south of Las Cruces, New Mexico. It is affiliated with but not adjacent to the Federal Prison Camp, which is a minimum-security type of facility. The institution houses male inmates and provides them with various programs and services to help them successfully reintegrate into society upon release.
FCI La Tuna is operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and has a capacity of approximately 940 inmates. The facility has double-fenced perimeters, mostly dormitory or cubicle housing, and strong work and program components. Inmates at FCI La Tuna have access to educational, vocational, and substance abuse treatment programs. The institution also offers a range of recreational activities, including sports, music, and art classes, to promote physical and mental well-being among inmates.
The facility has a visiting policy that encourages inmate visiting to develop and maintain healthy community relationships. Visitors must follow strict guidelines and are subject to search and screening procedures. All funds sent through the mail to the institution must be addressed to a processing center in Des Moines, Iowa.
| Security | Low |
| Capacity | 943 |
| Physical Address | 8500 Doniphan Road Anthony, TX 79821 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 3000 Anthony, NM 88021 |
| Can You Send Gifts? | No |
| Visitation Hours | Saturday, Sunday, the first Monday of each month, and federal holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 915-791-9000 |
| Jurisdiction | Federal |
History of La Tuna
Founding and Early Years
Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna is a low-security facility located adjacent to a minimum-security Federal Prison Camp. It was established in 1932 as a satellite camp of Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. The facility was later expanded and became a medium-security institution in 1977.
La Tuna has a rich history of housing notable inmates, including Benjamin Hoskins Paddock, who was on the FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list in the 1960s for bank robbery and was the father of Stephen Craig Paddock, the perpetrator of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.
In addition to housing high-profile inmates, La Tuna has also been plagued by corruption and fraud. In 2013, former La Tuna correctional officer Bob Jones was sentenced to 30 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility.
Notable Events
In January 2021, La Tuna made headlines when an inmate died after being pepper-sprayed by correctional officers. The incident is still under investigation, but it has raised concerns about the use of force in prisons.
La Tuna has also faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, the facility reported its first case of COVID-19, and by August, over 200 inmates had tested positive for the virus. Advocacy groups have called for better protections for inmates and staff at La Tuna and other federal prisons.
Despite these challenges, La Tuna continues to operate as a vital component of the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ correctional system.
Location and Facilities
La Tuna’s Physical Location
Federal Correctional Institution La Tuna is a low-security federal correctional institution located on the outskirts of Anthony, Texas. The facility is situated on Doniphan Road, which runs parallel to the Texas-New Mexico border. The physical address of the facility is 8500 Doniphan Road, Anthony, TX 79821.
The facility is located approximately 15 miles north of El Paso, Texas, and 10 miles east of Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The facility is easily accessible by car, and visitors can reach the facility by taking exit 162 off of I-10.
Housing and Facilities
FCI La Tuna is part of the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in El Paso County, Texas. The facility has a capacity of 943 inmates and is equipped with a range of housing and facilities. Inmates are housed in two-person cells or dormitory-style housing units.
The facility provides a range of programs and services to inmates, including educational programs, vocational training, drug treatment programs, and counseling services. The facility also has a commissary, where inmates can purchase a range of goods and personal items.
Visitors to FCI La Tuna can visit inmates during designated visiting hours. The visiting hours are on Saturday, Sunday, and the first Monday of each month, and all Federal Holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and visitors are advised to check the facility’s website or contact the facility directly for more information.
Overall, FCI La Tuna provides a range of housing and facilities to inmates, as well as a variety of programs and services to help inmates prepare for their eventual release.
Operations and Procedures
Security Measures
Federal Correctional Institution, La Tuna is a federal satellite low-security prison under the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all staff, inmates, and visitors. The institution has a comprehensive security system that includes electronic surveillance, perimeter fencing, and armed officers. Visitors are required to follow all security procedures, including passing through metal detectors and presenting valid identification.
Visitation Procedures
Visiting hours at FCI La Tuna are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, the first Monday of each month, and federal holidays. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visiting list and must confirm the visiting schedule with the facility before arriving. Visitors must present valid photo identification and follow all visiting regulations. The institution allows contact visits, but inmates and visitors are subject to search before and after the visit.
Inmate Mail and Communication
Inmates at FCI La Tuna are allowed to send and receive mail, subject to official policy. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection, and inmates are prohibited from receiving certain items. Inmates are also allowed outbound calls through the Trulincs system, subject to official policy. Mailing address is
- Inmate Name & Register Number
- FCI La Tuna
- Federal Correctional Institution
- P.O. Box 3000
- Anthony, NM 88021
The warden and staff at FCI La Tuna are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all inmates, staff, and visitors. The institution has official policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and security of everyone on the premises.
Inmate Services and Programs
Federal Correctional Institution, La Tuna offers various services and programs to its inmate population to help them prepare for their release and facilitate their successful reentry into society. Here are some of the services and programs available at the facility.
Education and Vocational Training
Education and vocational training programs are available to help inmates gain new skills and knowledge that can help them secure employment upon their release. The facility offers English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, as well as vocational training in areas such as building trades. Inmates can also earn their General Educational Development (GED) certificate through the literacy program offered at the facility.
Healthcare Services
FCI La Tuna provides healthcare services to its inmate population. Inmates have access to routine medical care, as well as dental and mental health services. The facility also offers a residential drug abuse program to help inmates with substance abuse issues.
Commissary and Financial Services
Inmates at FCI La Tuna have access to a commissary where they can purchase personal hygiene products, snacks, and other items. The facility also offers financial services such as the ability to establish a commissary account and receive special mail.
Overall, FCI La Tuna offers a range of services and programs to help its inmate population prepare for their release and successfully reintegrate into society.