Reynaldo G. Garza-Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse (S.D. Tex.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: The general public may not bring wireless devices into the courthouse. If a visitor cannot return a device to their vehicle, Court Security Officers will hold it. In courtrooms, phones must be off or in airplane mode and may not be used. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 E. Harrison St., Brownsville, TX 78520 |
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | The general public may not bring wireless devices into the courthouse. If a visitor cannot return a device to their vehicle, Court Security Officers will hold it. In courtrooms, phones must be off or in airplane mode and may not be used. |
| Lockers | No lockers; CSOs hold devices only when the visitor cannot return them to a vehicle. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys and law enforcement agents may bring cell phones, laptops and other wireless devices. Other devices may be used in a courtroom only with the judge's approval. |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see Texas county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in Texas
- William M. Steger Federal Building and United States Courthouse
- Bob Casey United States Courthouse
- United States Courthouse, Corpus Christi
- San Antonio United States Courthouse
- Earle Cabell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
- Eldon B. Mahon U.S. Courthouse
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Reynaldo G. Garza-Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse?
The general public may not bring wireless devices into the courthouse. If a visitor cannot return a device to their vehicle, Court Security Officers will hold it. In courtrooms, phones must be off or in airplane mode and may not be used.
Are there phone lockers at the Reynaldo G. Garza-Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse?
No lockers; CSOs hold devices only when the visitor cannot return them to a vehicle.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Reynaldo G. Garza-Filemon B. Vela United States Courthouse?
Attorneys and law enforcement agents may bring cell phones, laptops and other wireless devices. Other devices may be used in a courtroom only with the judge's approval.
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.