El Centro Service Processing Center

About our facility

Because of its proximity to the international border, the El Centro Service Processing Center is one of the busier ICE facilities in the nation. The facility maintains an average daily census of 450 to 500 adult males from over forty nations throughout the world. All new arrivals are medically screened for infectious diseases as well as acute and chronic health conditions, utilizing teleradiology for tuberculosis screening.

Meet our staff and see what we do

Our ambulatory clinic and infirmary are staffed around the clock by a dedicated group of skilled professionals. We provide comprehensive primary health care in a challenging correctional setting. Our medical staff consists of twenty-six full time employees, approximately half PHS Commissioned Officers and half civilian contract staff; including a Clinical Director, Dentist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Nurse Practitioners / Physician Assistants, Pharmacist, RNs, LVNs and support staff. They all work together as a team to achieve the Division's mission of providing health care in support of immigration law enforcement.

Our Location

El Centro - "Where the Sun Spends the Winter," is, as its name implies, the center of one of Southern California's most promising new commercial and industrial areas. Not only the business and cultural center of the vast Imperial Valley, El Centro is the population center and county seat for Imperial County. At an elevation of 50 feet below sea level, El Centro (population: 37,000) is the largest town in the U.S. that lies entirely below sea level. Located 120 miles east of San Diego and 60 miles west of Yuma, Arizona, El Centro is rich in scenic beauty and recreational opportunity.

While summer temperatures are quite hot in the low desert, with daytime temperatures often exceeding one hundred degrees, the climate during the remainder of the year is extremely pleasant. Even on the hottest summer days, relief from the heat is a short forty minute drive west of town where the elevation climbs to 5000 feet and temperatures 30 to 40 degrees cooler may be found.

Places to go, People to see

The rugged beauty of the surrounding desert and mountain areas provide a striking backdrop for outdoor activities the year around. This nature lover's paradise is a scenic two hour drive from San Diego, where El Centro residents can enjoy beautiful beaches, major league sports, and world-class dining and entertainment. Mexicali, Mexico, just ten miles from El Centro, offers nearly unlimited entertainment options from bullfights to ballet, and shopping to suit any budget.

Small airports are located in El Centro and Yuma; and San Diego is home to a major airport. Community colleges are located throughout the Imperial Valley, with further opportunities for higher education in Yuma and San Diego.

To learn more

To find out about employment opportunities with the Division of Immigration Health Services in El Centro, CA please contact us at the address below: