Ellis Unit
Find messaging, video, and phone options for Ellis Unit. Compare providers and discover what communication services are available. Free, no account required.
- Facility Type
- State Facility
- Security Level
- Mixed
- Inmate Capacity
- 2,073 approx.
- Established
- 1965
- Operated By
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
Ellis Unit Inmate Communication Overview
The Ellis Unit is a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. It opened in July 1965 and housed Texas male death row from 1965 until 1999. Today it houses inmates across custody levels G1 through G5, plus administrative segregation and trusty camp populations, and supports extensive agricultural operations including a cotton gin and a garment factory.
Communication at the Ellis Unit runs through Securus Technologies, which provides phone service, eMessaging, video visitation, and tablets for TDCJ facilities. Families create a Securus account, add the inmate, and fund services for calls, messages, and video visits.
In-person visiting follows TDCJ rules. Visitors must be on the inmate's approved visiting list and bring valid photo identification. All calls, messages, and visits are monitored and recorded.
Communication Options
Available communication services at Ellis Unit.
Messaging
Electronic messages to and from the inmate.
Provider: Securus
eMessaging through a Securus account. Confirm the inmate's current privileges before funding an account.
Video Calls
Remote or in-person video visitation.
Provider: Securus
Video visitation through Securus. Schedule in advance and confirm eligibility for the inmate's housing area.
Photo Sharing
Send approved digital or physical photos.
Provider: Securus
Photo sharing options are not confirmed for this unit. Confirm with Securus or the facility.
Phone Calls
Inmate-initiated phone calls to approved numbers.
Provider: Securus
Outgoing calls through the Securus phone system. Fund a Securus account and keep your number on the approved list.
Money Transfer
Send funds to commissary or phone accounts.
Deposit options for the inmate trust fund follow TDCJ rules. Confirm the current deposit method on the TDCJ website before sending money.
Communication Providers at Ellis Unit
These providers operate communication services at this facility. Each may cover different services.
Securus
Securus provides phone service, eMessaging, video visitation, and tablets for TDCJ facilities including the Ellis Unit.
View Securus ServicesCommunication Rules at Ellis Unit
- Create a Securus account and keep your phone number on the inmate's approved list before expecting calls.
- Confirm the inmate's current privileges before funding messaging or video services.
- Visitors must be on the approved visiting list and bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- All calls, messages, and visits are monitored and recorded.
- Confirm visiting hours and any housing-specific rules before traveling.
Related Facilities
Other correctional facilities with communication guides.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ellis Unit
Common questions from families about communication at this facility.
- Which company handles phone calls at the Ellis Unit?
- Securus Technologies provides phone service, eMessaging, video visitation, and tablets for TDCJ facilities including the Ellis Unit.
- Can I send electronic messages to an inmate at the Ellis Unit?
- Yes, through Securus eMessaging. Create a Securus account, add the inmate, and fund the service. Confirm the inmate's privileges first.
- Did the Ellis Unit house Texas death row?
- Yes. The Ellis Unit housed Texas male death row from 1965 until 1999, when death row moved to the Polunsky Unit.
- How do video visits work at the Ellis Unit?
- Video visits run through Securus. Create an account, add the inmate, and schedule in advance. Confirm the inmate's eligibility for video visits in his housing area.
- How do I visit someone at the Ellis Unit?
- You must be on the inmate's approved visiting list. Bring valid photo ID and follow TDCJ visiting rules. Confirm hours before traveling.
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