ICE considers expanding detention capacity in six states

• ICE Plans to Expand Migrant Detention Centers
• ACLU Denounces Persistent Abusive Conditions
• Proposed Sites Include Controversial Facilities

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is considering proposals to increase its capacity to detain immigrants in six key states.

Companies like GEO Group, CoreCivic, and MTC have submitted plans to build or expand facilities in California, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Kansas, and Washington.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns that many of these facilities have histories of abuse and inadequate medical care.

In Kansas, there is a proposal to reactivate the Midwest Regional Reception Center, which was closed in 2021 following reports of abusive conditions.

Migrant Detention Centers Expansion Projects in Texas and Other States Under Scrutiny

Texas may also see the reopening of the controversial family detention center in Dilley, which has been criticized after an infant’s death there.

Other projects include expansions in Nevada, California, and New Mexico, involving facilities previously investigated for poor conditions.

ICE is also considering increased migrant detention centers capacity in Illinois, Washington, and new projects in California and Texas.

Companies such as Kastel Enterprises and Active Deployment Systems are seeking contracts for temporary facilities and monitoring.

Eunice Cho, an attorney with the ACLU, condemned the expansion, stating it sets the stage for the mass deportations promised by Donald Trump.

Cho also criticized the Biden administration for allowing these expansions instead of shutting down centers with abusive records.

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Last month, the ACLU revealed that the Biden administration opened bids to expand the Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey.

This situation highlights a complex landscape as the upcoming change in administration raises significant human rights concerns.

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