Estrella del Paso Warns Public About Scammers Targeting ICE Detainees & Their Families
March 12, 2026
El Paso, Texas – Estrella del Paso is alerting the public to a recent scam targeting detainees and loved ones of individuals currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Anson, Texas.
Estrella del Paso has received multiple phone calls from detainees and family members alleging that scammers are falsely claiming to be employees or representatives of Estrella del Paso. These individuals are requesting payments in exchange for providing legal representation.
These claims are false. Estrella del Paso does not accept payment for legal representation. All legal services provided by the organization are offered completely free of charge. Clients are never asked to pay for legal assistance. The only costs individuals may be responsible for are their own government application or filing fees, when applicable.
Additionally, Estrella del Paso does not currently provide services inside the Bluebonnet Detention Facility. Estrella del Paso only provides legal services within the following ICE facilities: • El Paso Processing Center (El Paso) • Otero Processing Center (Otero, NM) • Camp East Montana (Fort Bliss)
Anyone who receives a suspicious call, message, or request for payment claiming to be from Estrella del Paso should not provide personal information or send money.
“It is deeply upsetting that scammers would exploit people in such vulnerable circumstances,” said Melissa M. Lopez, Estrella del Paso Executive Director. “Individuals in detention and their families are often desperate to find legal help and support. Targeting people during such a difficult and uncertain time is especially harmful, and we want our community to know that our services are always free and that they should never send money to someone claiming to represent us.”
Families who believe they may have been targeted by this scam and sent money are encouraged to report the incident to their local authorities and notify Estrella del Paso.
For more information about qualifying for free legal services with Estrella del Paso, please visit www.estrelladelpaso.org or contact our office at 915-532-3975.
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View PDF version of this press release here: Estrella_del_Paso_Press_Release_Scam_Warning_Bluebonnet_Facility.pdf
