Call or Text 612-605-3989 for a confidential consultation about your federal prison situation.
Overview of FCI Terminal Island
Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island — commonly known as FCI Terminal Island or simply “Terminal Island” — is a low-security federal prison for male inmates operated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). The facility sits at the southern tip of Terminal Island, at the entrance to the Port of Los Angeles, between the communities of San Pedro and Long Beach in Los Angeles County, California.
What makes Terminal Island unlike any other federal prison in the country is its physical setting. The facility is located on an actual island — a man-made landmass in the middle of one of the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere. Inmates at Terminal Island can smell the salt air and hear the foghorns of cargo ships passing through the harbor channel. The prison sits adjacent to a United States Coast Guard base, with the Vincent Thomas Bridge visible in the distance connecting San Pedro to Terminal Island. It is a surreal setting for a federal prison, and it contributes to the facility’s unique culture and reputation.
A Brief History
FCI Terminal Island opened on June 1, 1938, making it one of the oldest continuously operating federal correctional facilities in the nation. The original complex cost $2 million to construct and consisted of a central quadrangle surrounded by three cell blocks. When it opened, the facility housed 610 male and 40 female prisoners — it was one of the few co-educational federal prisons in the country at the time. [1]
The prison’s history has been shaped by its strategic location in Los Angeles Harbor:
- 1938–1942: Operated as a standard federal correctional institution for both men and women.
- 1942–1950: The U.S. Navy took control of the facility during World War II, using it first as a receiving station and later as a barracks for court-martialed military personnel (Naval Disciplinary Barracks).
- 1950–1955: The Navy deactivated the site and turned it over to the State of California, which operated it as a medical and psychiatric institution.
- 1955–present: The U.S. Bureau of Prisons regained control and converted the facility into a low-to-medium security federal prison. Female inmates were housed separately until 1977, when overcrowding led to their transfer to FCI Dublin in Northern California.
- 1980s: The BOP increased security measures — adding barbed wire fencing and armed guards — in an effort to shed Terminal Island’s reputation as a “Club Fed” destination for white-collar offenders. [1]
2025 Closure Announcement: In November 2025, the Bureau of Prisons announced plans to suspend operations at FCI Terminal Island due to severe infrastructure deterioration. An assessment by an architectural and engineering firm identified more than $110 million in critical repairs needed over the next 20 years. Concrete ceilings in underground tunnels containing the facility’s steam heating system had begun to crumble, causing chunks of concrete to fall and putting staff and inmates at risk. BOP Director William K. Marshall III stated: “We are not going to wait for a crisis. We are not going to gamble with lives.” Inmates are being transferred to other federal facilities. This was not the first infrastructure crisis at Terminal Island — in February 2019, two housing units lost heat during the coldest February in decades when an underground steam line failed, leaving more than 200 inmates without heat for days. [2]
Contact Information
| Address | 1299 Seaside Avenue, San Pedro, CA 90731 |
| Mailing Address (Inmates) | Inmate Name & Register Number, FCI Terminal Island, Federal Correctional Institution, P.O. Box 3007, San Pedro, CA 90733 |
| Phone | 310-831-8961 |
| Fax | 310-732-5325 |
| TRM-ExecAssistant-S@bop.gov | |
| BOP Region | Western Region |
| BOP Institution Code | TRM |
| Judicial District | Central District of California |
| Security Level | Low |
| Medical Care Level | Level 2/3 |
| Mental Health Care Level | Level 3 |
| Population | Approximately 900 male inmates (pre-closure) |
Notable Inmates
FCI Terminal Island has housed some of the most recognizable names in American criminal history. Its location in Los Angeles — the center of the nation’s largest media market — means that every high-profile inmate who passes through Terminal Island generates significant press coverage. Here is a partial list of notable inmates across the facility’s history:
| Inmate | Years at TRM | Offense / Notoriety |
|---|---|---|
| Al Capone | 1939–1940 | Chicago organized crime boss; transferred from Alcatraz to Terminal Island before release |
| Charles Manson | 1956 | Cult leader and convicted murderer; held at Terminal Island before the Manson Family murders |
| Timothy Leary | 1974 | Harvard psychologist and LSD advocate; held briefly at Terminal Island |
| G. Gordon Liddy | 1970s | Watergate operative; key figure in the Nixon administration scandal |
| Michael Avenatti | Current (19-year sentence) | Celebrity attorney convicted of extortion, wire fraud, and identity theft |
| Sam Bankman-Fried | Current (25-year sentence) | FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder; convicted of fraud and money laundering |
| Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani | Current (13-year sentence) | Former Theranos COO; convicted on 12 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy |
| Qian Xuesen | 1950 | Chinese-born rocket scientist detained during Red Scare; later founded China’s space program |
The concentration of high-profile inmates at Terminal Island reflects both its location in the Central District of California — one of the busiest federal judicial districts — and its status as a low-security facility that houses many white-collar and non-violent offenders sentenced in Los Angeles federal courts.
Daily Life at FCI Terminal Island
Life at FCI Terminal Island follows the structured daily routine common to all federal low-security institutions, but with a few characteristics unique to the facility’s island setting and older infrastructure. Understanding what daily life looks like before you arrive is one of the most important things you can do to reduce anxiety and prepare yourself or your loved one for the experience.
Typical Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 – 6:00 AM | Wake-up, standing count, breakfast in the dining hall |
| 7:30 AM | Work call — report to assigned work detail |
| 10:30 AM | Recall and standing count |
| 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch |
| 12:30 PM | Afternoon work call |
| 4:00 PM | Standing count (the 4:00 PM count is the most strictly enforced count of the day) |
| 4:30 – 5:30 PM | Dinner |
| 5:30 – 8:30 PM | Recreation, education programs, religious services, TRULINCS email, phone calls |
| 9:00 PM | Final standing count |
| 10:00 – 11:00 PM | Lights out (varies by housing unit) |
Standing counts happen at least five times per day. You must be at your assigned bunk, standing, and silent during every count. Missing a count is one of the fastest ways to earn a disciplinary incident report at any federal facility.
Housing
FCI Terminal Island offers a mix of housing types, reflecting the facility’s age and the patchwork of renovations over its nearly nine decades of operation:
- E, F, and J Units: Two-person cells. E and J Units also have toilets inside the cell, which provides slightly more privacy. These are generally considered the most desirable housing assignments at the facility.
- A, B, C, D, and K Units: Open dormitory-style housing. Inmates sleep in bunk beds in a large shared room. Privacy is minimal — personal space is limited to your bunk and a locker.
- K Unit: The only housing unit with air conditioning — a significant quality-of-life factor given Southern California’s warm climate, especially during summer months.
Housing assignments are made by the facility and are not within the inmate’s control, although behavior, seniority, and medical considerations can influence placements over time. Many inmates report that the aging infrastructure of the dormitory units is a significant source of complaints — crumbling walls, poor ventilation, and plumbing issues have been documented repeatedly.
Meals and Food
FCI Terminal Island serves three meals per day in its central dining hall. Multiple former inmates have described the food at Terminal Island as above average compared to other BOP facilities. Meals are served cafeteria-style. Breakfast typically includes cereal, eggs, toast, fruit, and beverages. Lunch and dinner rotate through a multi-week menu that includes proteins (chicken, fish, beef, beans), vegetables, starches, salad bar, and dessert. A heart-healthy menu is available. Special dietary accommodations for religious or medical reasons can be requested through Health Services or the Chaplain’s office.
Commissary
Inmates at FCI Terminal Island can spend up to $360 per month at the facility commissary. Each inmate is assigned a specific shopping day each week. Regular sales are conducted at 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Over-the-counter medications are sold on Fridays. The commissary stocks food items (instant coffee, ramen, tuna, protein bars, candy), personal hygiene products, stationery, stamps, batteries, radios, headphones, and clothing items like sweatpants and sneakers. Having money in your commissary account is essential for basic comfort in federal prison. We help families understand how to deposit funds before and during incarceration.
Communication: Phone, Email, and Mail
Inmates at FCI Terminal Island receive 300 minutes of phone time per month, with each call limited to 15 minutes. All calls are recorded and monitored (except calls with attorneys). Phone rates have been significantly reduced under the FCC’s 2024 rate caps. TRULINCS email is also available — inmates purchase credits through the commissary and can send and receive text-only messages at approximately $0.05 per minute. There is no internet access.
Mail is a critical lifeline. Incoming general correspondence is inspected but not typically read in detail. Legal mail (marked “Special Mail — Open Only in the Presence of the Inmate”) receives additional protections. All funds must be sent to the BOP’s National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa — never send cash or checks directly to the facility.
Recreation
Terminal Island offers a range of indoor and outdoor recreational activities. The facility’s location near the harbor means generally pleasant weather year-round, which supports outdoor programming. Available activities include:
- Outdoor: Walking and running track, basketball courts, softball field, handball courts, soccer, volleyball, flag football, horseshoes, bocce ball, shuffleboard, and a weight pile
- Indoor: Yoga classes, pool tables, televisions, card and board games, music programs
- Hobby crafts: Ceramics, leatherwork, painting and sketching (oils, pastels, pencils, charcoal), crochet, knitting, woodworking, sculpture, and lapidary
Recreation is one of the most important aspects of doing time well. Physical exercise, creative hobbies, and structured leisure prevent the boredom and depression that derail many inmates. We counsel every client on building a daily routine that includes regular physical activity and meaningful hobbies from the first week.
Programs at FCI Terminal Island
Programming is where you build the foundation for early release, sentence reduction, and a successful reentry. FCI Terminal Island offers a range of programs — some of which can directly reduce your time in custody.
Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP)
FCI Terminal Island does offer RDAP, making it one of the more attractive low-security facilities for inmates with substance abuse histories. RDAP is a 500-hour, nine-to-twelve-month intensive residential treatment program. You live in a dedicated RDAP housing unit, separated from the general population, and attend daily group therapy sessions focused on cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and criminal thinking errors.
Successful completion of RDAP can earn eligible inmates up to a 12-month sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e). This is one of the most significant sentence reduction opportunities in the federal system. [3]
To qualify for RDAP, you must:
- Have a documented substance abuse disorder — ideally identified in your Pre-Sentence Report (PSR)
- Have at least 24 months remaining on your sentence when you begin the program
- Not be serving a sentence for certain disqualifying offenses (violent crimes, some immigration offenses)
- Volunteer for the program — RDAP is voluntary
In addition to RDAP, Terminal Island also offers non-residential drug abuse treatment (NR-DAP) and drug education classes. These do not carry the same sentence reduction benefit but do count toward First Step Act earned time credits.
RDAP Tip: If you or your loved one has any history of substance abuse — even if it seems minor or was never formally diagnosed — it is critical to ensure that information is documented in the Pre-Sentence Report before sentencing. The PSR is the primary document the BOP uses to determine RDAP eligibility. Failing to document substance abuse history in the PSR is one of the most common and costly mistakes defendants make. We help clients work with their attorneys to get this right. Call 612-605-3989.
Education Programs
FCI Terminal Island offers a comprehensive range of educational programs:
- GED preparation — Inmates without a high school diploma are required to enroll in the GED program for at least 240 hours or until they obtain their GED
- English as a Second Language (ESL) — Required for non-native English speakers who cannot demonstrate English proficiency
- Adult Continuing Education (ACE) — Elective courses beyond GED level
- Parenting program — Classes focused on maintaining family bonds and parenting skills during incarceration
- Release Preparation Program (RPP) — Coursework covering financial literacy, job readiness, resume writing, and community reentry planning
- Post-secondary education — Coastline Community College offers courses to inmates at Terminal Island. Additional college degrees are available through paid correspondence programs.
Education hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (excluding meals and counts). [4]
Vocational Training and Apprenticeships
FCI Terminal Island offers advanced occupational education in several trades:
- Carpentry
- Electrical Home Wiring
- Home Inspection
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Commercial Food Certification (CFC)
The facility also offers an unusually wide range of apprenticeships — more than most BOP facilities at this security level:
- Baking, Cooking
- AutoCAD, Cabinet Making
- Dental Assistant
- Electrical, Electrostatic Powder Paint Machine
- Engraver, HVAC
- Industrial Truck Mechanic, Machine Setter
- Maintenance Repairer, Material Coordinator
- Pipefitter, Plumbing
- Production Planner – Shipping Clerk
- Quality Control, Stationary Engineer
- Tool and Die (Machinist)
Vocational training and apprenticeships are valuable beyond the skills themselves — participation counts toward First Step Act earned time credits and demonstrates productive institutional behavior, which the BOP considers during classification reviews and step-down recommendations.
UNICOR (Federal Prison Industries)
FCI Terminal Island does not currently have a UNICOR factory. This means that the highest-paying work assignments available at some other federal facilities (UNICOR wages range from $0.23 to $1.15 per hour) are not available here. Work assignments at Terminal Island include food service, facilities maintenance, landscaping, warehouse operations, education department (tutoring, library), health services orderly, laundry, and administrative clerical positions. [4]
First Step Act Earned Time Credits
The First Step Act of 2018 allows eligible inmates to earn 10 to 15 days of credit for every 30 days of participation in approved Evidence-Based Recidivism Reduction (EBRR) programs and Productive Activities (PAs). These credits can be applied toward early transfer to a halfway house (Residential Reentry Center) or home confinement. [5]
Inmates classified as “minimum” or “low” risk on the BOP’s PATTERN risk assessment tool earn 15 days per 30 days of programming. “Medium” risk inmates earn 10 days. “High” risk inmates are not eligible. Qualifying programs at Terminal Island include drug education, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, parenting classes, financial literacy, vocational training, and more. These credits accumulate throughout your sentence and can result in many months of early release.
Not all inmates are eligible — certain offenses listed in 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4)(D) are excluded from earning First Step Act time credits. We help every client understand their eligibility and build a credit-earning strategy from the beginning of their sentence.
Psychology and Mental Health Services
FCI Terminal Island is designated as a Mental Health Care Level 3 facility, which means it provides a higher level of psychological services than the typical low-security FCI. Services include:
- Screening, assessment, and treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues
- Individual and group counseling
- Psycho-educational classes
- Crisis intervention
- Referrals to Health Services for psychiatric medication management
The Mental Health Care Level 3 designation means Terminal Island can accommodate inmates with moderate mental health needs that would not be adequately served at a Level 1 or Level 2 facility. If you or your loved one has documented mental health needs, this can be a relevant factor in the designation request.
Who Gets Designated to FCI Terminal Island?
Understanding the BOP’s designation process is essential if you want to either request Terminal Island or avoid it. The Bureau of Prisons does not allow defendants to choose their facility. All designations are made by the Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC) in Grand Prairie, Texas, based on a scoring system and a set of criteria that we help our clients navigate. [6]
The BOP Security Point System
Every federal defendant is scored on a point system that evaluates the following factors:
- Type of detainer — Outstanding warrants or detainers from other jurisdictions
- Severity of current offense — Based on the nature of the conviction
- Expected length of incarceration — Longer sentences generally result in higher security classifications
- Type of prior commitments — Previous prison sentences increase your security score
- History of violence — Any documented violent behavior significantly raises your security level
- History of escape or escape attempts
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Age — Older inmates generally score lower
- Educational level
- Voluntary surrender status — Defendants who self-surrender (rather than being taken into custody) receive a lower score
To be designated to a low-security facility like FCI Terminal Island, your total security score must fall within the low-security range. Defendants with non-violent offenses, no prior incarceration, no history of violence, and sentences under approximately 20 years are most likely to score in this range.
Typical Inmate Profiles at Terminal Island
FCI Terminal Island draws a disproportionate number of inmates from the Central District of California — one of the busiest federal courts in the country, headquartered in downtown Los Angeles. The BOP policy favors designating inmates within 500 driving miles of their release residence, and Los Angeles is the release metro for a very large segment of the federal prison population.
Common profiles include:
- White-collar defendants: Wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, and money laundering
- Non-violent drug offenders: Drug trafficking defendants with minor roles and no violence enhancements
- Public corruption defendants: Elected officials, law enforcement, and government employees convicted of federal crimes
- Entertainment and tech industry defendants: Given the proximity to Hollywood and Silicon Beach, Terminal Island has historically housed defendants from the entertainment and technology sectors
- Military-related offenders: The facility’s history as a naval installation and its proximity to multiple military installations in the Los Angeles area contribute to a steady population of military-connected inmates
Can You Request FCI Terminal Island?
Yes. While the BOP makes the final designation decision, your sentencing judge can make a judicial recommendation for a specific facility. Your defense attorney can also submit a designation memorandum directly to the DSCC. The strongest requests address the BOP’s specific criteria: proximity to your release residence, documented medical or mental health needs (Terminal Island’s Care Level 2/3 can support this), program needs (especially RDAP), family ties, and judicial district.
At Federal Case Consulting, we help clients prepare comprehensive designation requests that are grounded in the factors the DSCC actually weighs. A well-documented request is far more effective than simply asking for a “good” facility. Call 612-605-3989 to discuss your designation strategy.
Visiting FCI Terminal Island
Visiting is one of the most important aspects of maintaining family bonds during incarceration. Research consistently shows that inmates who receive regular visits have lower recidivism rates and better outcomes upon release. Here is what you need to know about visiting at FCI Terminal Island.
Visiting Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Federal Holidays | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Visits are limited to six hours maximum per day. Visitor processing typically requires 30 to 60 minutes, so plan to arrive early — ideally by 7:30 a.m. — to maximize your visiting time. [7]
Getting on the Approved Visitor List
All visitors must be pre-approved by the BOP before they can visit. The process works as follows:
- Within the first five working days after arrival, the inmate submits a visiting list to their counselor
- The BOP conducts background checks on each person listed
- Once approved, the inmate will inform you that you are cleared to visit
- Do not attempt to visit until you have confirmed your approval
- Visitors must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
Visiting Rules and Dress Code
The BOP enforces strict visiting rules. Violations can result in being denied entry or having your visiting privileges suspended:
- Clothing: No clothing that is revealing, suggestive, or resembles inmate attire (khaki pants, green or olive clothing). No open-toed shoes, shorts above the knee, or clothing with offensive graphics. Undergarments are required.
- Physical contact: A brief embrace and handshake at the beginning and end of the visit only. Hand-holding may be permitted during the visit at the discretion of staff.
- Items: You may bring a small clear bag with up to $20 in coins for vending machines, your car key (no electronic fobs), your ID, and necessary medications in original packaging. Leave everything else — phones, bags, wallets — in your car.
- Children: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. A quiet activity (coloring book, small toy) may be permitted but is subject to officer discretion.
Traveling to Terminal Island
One advantage of FCI Terminal Island is its proximity to major transportation hubs:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): Approximately 20 miles north (30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic)
- Long Beach Airport (LGB): Approximately 10 miles east (15–25 minutes by car)
- By car: From the 110 Freeway (Harbor Freeway) South, take the Terminal Island exit. Follow signs to Seaside Avenue. The facility is located at 1299 Seaside Avenue, adjacent to the Coast Guard base.
- Public transit: LA Metro bus routes serve the San Pedro area, though a transfer to a local line or rideshare for the final leg to Terminal Island is typically necessary
- Hotels: Affordable accommodations are available in San Pedro, Wilmington, and Long Beach — all within 10–15 minutes of the facility. The DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro and Holiday Inn Express San Pedro are popular with visiting families.
Preparing Your Family for Visits
Visiting a federal prison for the first time is intimidating for family members, especially children. We help families prepare by walking through every step of the process: what to wear, what to expect during security screening, how the visiting room works, how long to plan for, and how to make the most of your visiting time together. Preparation reduces the stress and allows the visit to focus on what matters — maintaining your family connection.
How Federal Case Consulting Helps
At Federal Case Consulting, we have been through the federal system ourselves. We built this firm because we saw how unprepared most defendants and their families are for what lies ahead. Whether you or your loved one is heading to FCI Terminal Island or another federal facility, we provide hands-on, experience-based guidance at every stage:
- Pre-Sentence Report Review: We review your PSR for errors, omissions, and missed opportunities (including RDAP eligibility documentation) before it is finalized.
- Sentencing Preparation: We help you and your attorney prepare for the sentencing hearing, including judicial recommendation language for facility designation.
- Prison Preparation: We prepare you for daily life, routines, dos and don’ts, what to bring, how to handle the first 72 hours, commissary strategy, and how to build a productive routine from day one.
- Designation Strategy: We build a comprehensive facility designation request tailored to the BOP’s actual criteria — not guesswork. If Terminal Island is the right fit, we make the case. If another facility is better, we tell you that instead.
- First Step Act & RDAP Strategy: We help you map out your entire programming plan to maximize earned time credits and position yourself for the earliest possible release to a halfway house or home confinement.
- Family Support: We help your family understand the visiting process, communication options, financial logistics, and how to navigate the BOP system as a support person.
We are not attorneys, and we do not provide legal advice. What we provide is something most attorneys cannot: firsthand knowledge of what life inside federal prison is actually like and how to navigate it strategically.
Heading to FCI Terminal Island? Let Us Help You Prepare.
The uncertainty is the hardest part. We have been exactly where you are, and we know how to help you face what is ahead with knowledge, preparation, and a clear plan.
Call or Text: 612-605-3989
Email: info@federalcaseconsulting.com
Confidential consultations available. We respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About FCI Terminal Island
What security level is FCI Terminal Island?
FCI Terminal Island is classified as a low-security federal correctional institution. Low security is one step above minimum security (federal prison camps) and one step below medium security in the BOP’s four-tier custody classification system. Low-security facilities feature double-fenced perimeters, controlled movement, and higher staff-to-inmate ratios than camps, but significantly less restrictive conditions than medium or high-security prisons. Terminal Island houses male inmates only. To be designated to Terminal Island, your BOP security score must fall within the low-security range, which typically requires a non-violent offense, no prior federal incarceration, no escape history, and a sentence length generally under 20 years. For more on security levels, see our low-security federal prison guide.
Is FCI Terminal Island closing?
In November 2025, the Bureau of Prisons announced plans to suspend operations at FCI Terminal Island due to severe infrastructure problems. An engineering assessment identified more than $110 million in critical repairs needed, with the most immediate concern being crumbling concrete ceilings in underground tunnels that house the facility’s steam heating system. BOP Director William K. Marshall III ordered the relocation of inmates to other facilities. As of early 2026, the BOP has stated it will assess the situation further before determining next steps. It is not yet clear whether the closure is permanent or temporary, or whether the facility might be repurposed. If you or a loved one has been or may be affected by this closure, contact us at 612-605-3989 — we can help navigate unexpected transfers and designation changes.
Does FCI Terminal Island have RDAP?
Yes. FCI Terminal Island offers the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), a 500-hour, nine-to-twelve-month intensive treatment program. Successful completion can earn eligible inmates up to a 12-month sentence reduction under 18 U.S.C. § 3621(e). The facility also offers non-residential drug abuse treatment (NR-DAP) and drug education classes. To qualify for RDAP, you must have a documented substance abuse disorder (ideally in your Pre-Sentence Report), at least 24 months remaining on your sentence, and you must not be serving time for certain disqualifying offenses. RDAP availability was a significant draw for inmates designated to Terminal Island — if the facility closure affects your RDAP timeline, contact us for guidance on alternative RDAP facilities.
What are the visiting hours at FCI Terminal Island?
Visiting at FCI Terminal Island is available on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and on federal holidays during the same hours. Visits are limited to six hours per day. All visitors must be on the inmate’s pre-approved visiting list and must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Visitor processing can take 30 to 60 minutes, so arriving by 7:30 a.m. is recommended to maximize your time. The facility is accessed by vehicle via Seaside Avenue in San Pedro. LAX is approximately 20 miles away, and Long Beach Airport is about 10 miles away, making Terminal Island more accessible to out-of-state visitors than many other federal facilities.
What notable inmates have been held at FCI Terminal Island?
FCI Terminal Island has one of the most extensive rosters of notable inmates of any federal prison in the country. Historical inmates include Al Capone (held 1939–1940 after transfer from Alcatraz), Charles Manson (held in 1956 before the Manson Family murders), Timothy Leary (1974), and G. Gordon Liddy (Watergate operative). More recently, the facility has housed Michael Avenatti (celebrity attorney serving a 19-year sentence for extortion and fraud), Sam Bankman-Fried (FTX founder serving a 25-year sentence for fraud), Ramesh “Sunny” Balwani (former Theranos COO serving a 13-year sentence), and Chinese-born rocket scientist Qian Xuesen, who was detained in 1950 during the Red Scare before eventually returning to China to found that nation’s space program.
How do I send money to an inmate at FCI Terminal Island?
Do not send money directly to the facility. All funds must be sent to the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ National Lockbox in Des Moines, Iowa. You can send money via Western Union, MoneyGram, or by mailing a postal money order to the BOP lockbox address. Include the inmate’s full name and BOP register number on all correspondence. Funds will be deposited into the inmate’s commissary account, which they use to purchase food, hygiene items, phone credits, and email credits. The monthly spending limit at Terminal Island’s commissary is $360. We help families set up deposit methods and understand commissary logistics before the inmate reports to the facility.
Can I request to be designated to FCI Terminal Island?
You cannot choose your facility, but you can influence the decision. Your sentencing judge can make a judicial recommendation for FCI Terminal Island, and your attorney can submit a designation memorandum to the BOP’s Designation and Sentence Computation Center (DSCC). The strongest requests are grounded in BOP criteria: proximity to your release residence (within 500 miles of the LA metro area), documented medical or mental health needs compatible with Terminal Island’s Care Level 2/3, program needs such as RDAP, and family ties. At Federal Case Consulting, we build designation strategies based on what the DSCC actually considers — not wishful thinking. Contact us at 612-605-3989 to discuss whether Terminal Island is the right facility for your situation.
Your Sentence Is Coming. Let Us Help You Prepare.
We have been exactly where you are. We know the fear, the uncertainty, and the questions that keep you up at night. Federal Case Consulting gives you the knowledge, preparation, and strategy to face what is ahead with confidence.
Call or Text: 612-605-3989
Email: info@federalcaseconsulting.com
Confidential consultations available. We respond within 24 hours.
Sources:
[1] Wikipedia, Federal Correctional Institution, Terminal Island. en.wikipedia.org
[2] Los Angeles Times, Crumbling ceilings in underground tunnels force closure of Terminal Island prison (November 26, 2025). latimes.com
[3] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Residential Drug Abuse Programs (RDAP) and Locations. bop.gov
[4] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Terminal Island — Institution Information. bop.gov
[5] First Step Act of 2018, Pub. L. 115-391, 132 Stat. 5194. congress.gov
[6] Federal Bureau of Prisons, Program Statement 5100.08: Inmate Security Designation and Custody Classification. bop.gov
[7] Federal Bureau of Prisons, FCI Terminal Island Visiting Schedule and Procedures. bop.gov
Related Pages
- Federal Prisons — Complete Guide to the BOP System
- Federal Low Security Prisons (FCIs)
- Federal Minimum Security Prisons (Prison Camps)
- Federal Medium Security Prisons
- Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)
- Preparing for Federal Prison
- Federal Pre-Sentence Report Guide
- Post-Conviction Services
- Family Support Services
- RDAP and Federal Sentence Reduction (Blog)
Disclaimer: Federal Case Consulting does not act as your legal representation and cannot guarantee any outcomes. The information on this page is for educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney regarding your specific legal situation. BOP policies, facility conditions, and programming availability are subject to change without notice. FCI Terminal Island’s operational status is subject to the BOP’s ongoing assessment of infrastructure conditions. The statistics and facility details referenced on this page reflect the most current publicly available information as of March 2026 and may not reflect current conditions at FCI Terminal Island.