The California City facility, which has transitioned from a federal detention center to a state prison and back again, is poised to temporarily reopen as a federal detention center following a preliminary agreement between CoreCivic and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This reopening comes as initial funding is secured, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate over private prisons and immigrant detention.
The facility had previously closed in 2024 as part of California’s broader initiative to eliminate privately owned prisons, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2019 legislation that prohibited private prisons and immigrant detention centers. However, a recent federal court ruling in 2023 deemed the state ban unconstitutional for federal detention centers, permitting California to continue with its objective of closing private prison facilities like the one in California City.
CoreCivic announced its agreement with ICE, which is anticipated to take effect in April 2025, and is currently negotiating a more sustainable contract. This development has raised concerns among local advocacy groups. The Dolores Huerta Foundation has openly opposed the plans, urging California City officials to reconsider the move due to CoreCivic’s financial struggles in other regions, such as New Mexico, and citing GEO Group’s unmet commitments in McFarland.
California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins expressed a cautiously optimistic viewpoint about the reopening. He noted, “It’s been mostly positive,” while also acknowledging public concerns related to the facility’s role and operations under ICE. He emphasized the need for proper oversight if the facility were to reopen, seeking assurances that the conditions would be humane and fair for individuals detained there.
This debate over the facility’s future is compounded by a troubling report from California Attorney General Rob Bonta, which outlined issues in all six immigration detention facilities statewide, including those in Bakersfield.
The local community is expected to voice their opinions on the prospective reopening at an upcoming city council meeting, highlighting the importance of public engagement in such crucial decisions regarding immigration and detention practices.
In addressing the community’s worries, it is vital for all stakeholders to ensure that human rights and fair treatment remain at the forefront of any decisions made regarding immigrant detention operations.