Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased their capacity in Southern Nevada, along with three other states, for individuals in the federal agency’s custody. CoreCivic, a company that operates private prisons and detention centers, recently announced contract modifications with ICE. This agreement adds up to 784 beds at three CoreCivic facilities, including the Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump.
CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger stated that they have an extensive supply of available beds to meet the government’s needs in a cost-effective manner. This expansion comes as the Trump administration aims to fulfill its promise of mass deportations.
The Nevada Southern Detention Center currently houses about 800 inmates and has also housed regional ICE inmates since 2016. An unannounced inspection by ICE deemed the facility compliant with three administrative deficiencies, with inmates reporting satisfaction with the services provided.
ICE’s plans to expand immigration detention facilities across the country have raised concerns among advocates. The American Civil Liberties Union has uncovered correspondence showing a push to increase ICE presence in Nevada, which they believe will tear families apart and erode trust in law enforcement.
Despite some support for Trump’s immigration policies, there are calls for increased oversight and accountability in the treatment of detainees. Officials in Southern Nevada have been hesitant to discuss the impacts of immigration enforcement since Trump took office.
For more information, contact Ricardo Torres-Cortez at rtorres@reviewjournal.com.
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