Leavenworth Grants Permit for Private Prison to Reopen as Immigrant Detention Centre
In a decisive move, the City Commission in Leavenworth, Kansas, has voted to allow a closed private prison to reopen and house immigrants detained for living in the U.S. illegally. This decision concludes a nearly yearlong legal dispute that unfolded against a backdrop of a massive national push for new detention facilities.
Commission Vote and Permit Conditions
On Tuesday, commissioners approved a three-year permit for CoreCivic, one of the nation's largest private prison operators, by a vote of 4-1. The permit includes strict conditions, such as setting minimum staffing levels, banning the housing of minors, and establishing a city oversight committee. Mayor Nancy Bauder emphasised that failure to adhere to these guidelines could result in the permit being revoked.
The 1,104-bed Midwest Regional Reception Center, located 10 miles west of Kansas City International Airport, is expected to generate $60 million annually once fully operational. This economic incentive played a role in the debate, with supporters highlighting the potential boost to the local economy.
Legal Battle and National Context
Leavenworth had sued CoreCivic after the company attempted to reopen the shuttered prison without city approval, leading to a protracted legal fight in state and federal courts. The U.S. Department of Justice intervened, siding with CoreCivic and accusing the city of an "aggressive and unlawful effort" to interfere with federal immigration enforcement. This case appears unique nationally, delaying a private prison opening amid former President Donald Trump's push for mass deportations.
City officials argued that requiring a permit was necessary to prevent future issues, while CoreCivic maintained it did not need one and that the process was too lengthy. The irony was not lost on observers, as Leavenworth, a GOP-leaning town synonymous with incarceration due to its multiple prisons, became an unlikely opponent.
Controversy and Public Opposition
Almost four dozen residents spoke against the permit before the vote, with protests turning rowdy at times. Police removed a protester for yelling vulgar comments, and Mayor Bauder repeatedly admonished the crowd for noise. David Benitez, a local resident, voiced strong opposition, stating, "We, the people of Leavenworth, are not fooled and we don't care about their money."
Critics cited past issues at the facility, including allegations from the American Civil Liberties Union and federal public defenders about rights violations, stabbings, suicides, and a homicide. The city's lawsuit detailed incidents such as detainees being locked in showers as punishment and CoreCivic impeding police investigations into sexual assaults and other violent crimes.
Support and Economic Considerations
Despite the opposition, some backed the permit for economic reasons. Two CoreCivic employees advocated for approval, with Charles Johnson from Kansas City, Kansas, noting that his job provided purpose and helped his family get off state assistance. His comments were met with boos from critics outside the meeting room.
City Commissioner Holly Pittman explained that by "standing firm," the city negotiated conditions on the permit. She warned that denying it could lead to a costly lawsuit, stating, "I will not gamble the financial stability of this city. Let me be clear: Approval does not mean endorsement."
This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing national debate over immigration detention and private prison operations, highlighting the complex interplay between local governance, federal enforcement, and community concerns.
