ICE to Open New Detention Facilities
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reportedly planning to establish four new detention facilities throughout the United States, which will add around 5,500 beds.
These facilities will include locations in Philadelphia, which is set for an 1,800-bed facility, and others in Seattle and Denver, both planned for 1,500 beds each, as well as a 700-bed facility in Miami, according to various reports.
Details shared on federal contracting websites illustrate that these new facilities will be exclusively operated by ICE, with the requirement that they start accepting detainees within 30 days of being commissioned. This suggests that a significant portion of staffing and functionality must be in place prior to the official signing of contracts.
Additionally, the new facilities are expected to be equipped with video feeds and courtroom areas. This setup aims to expedite the processing of detainees, enabling local hearings for immigration cases without the need for transportation to other locations.
ICE has also launched a “best value” bidding process that evaluates the overall capabilities of contractors, emphasizing their experience in preparation and management instead of simply opting for the lowest bid.
Interestingly, there were notions about a potential fifth facility at the former Rivers Correctional Facility in Winton, North Carolina. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dismissed these reports. They haven’t clarified whether this site is currently in service or under consideration for future use.
The bidding is open to a variety of participants, with the proposed sites matching the operational capacities of facilities managed by the GEO Group, which holds several contracts with DHS. This could be a strategic move aimed at terminating soon-expiring contracts.
With a focus on stringent deportation policies, the Trump administration has overseen the detention of over 600,000 undocumented immigrants since the start of his second term, with currently about 65,000 individuals in ICE’s custody.
DHS noted that ICE has been averaging around 1,474 arrests daily as of July.
