Louisiana, recognized for its “prison economy,” now has the highest number of ICE detention facilities in any non-border state, with nine centers following a shift from correctional facilities. Many of these centers are in remote rural areas, impacting local economies. The Trump administration sought to expand detention capacity in Southern states, with Louisiana becoming an epicenter for immigrant detention. This transformation occurred during Trump’s first term and accelerated under Biden, resulting in the state detaining immigrants from across the U.S., often far from their families and legal support.
The state’s largest facility, Winn Correctional Center, exemplifies this remoteness, with limited access for attorneys, which can disadvantage detainees. The push for expanded ICE detention in Louisiana came as the state had previously reduced its prison population through criminal justice reforms, creating empty facilities. These changes attracted ICE by offering readily available infrastructure and a trained workforce. Local leaders welcomed the economic benefits, leading to substantial contracts for ICE detention services.
Rural communities, facing economic challenges, turned to immigrant detention as a means to generate jobs and income. For instance, converting facilities to ICE detention offers appealing financial incentives for local governments. However, the consequences for detained individuals are significant, including restricted access to legal resources due to the location of these centers.
As immigration detention in Louisiana surged—growing from approximately 2,000 detainees in 2017 to over 7,300—many held have no criminal charges against them, leading to further questions about the ethics and impact of these expansions. The arrangement between local economies and ICE has drawn criticism regarding the treatment and rights of detainees in these often-overlooked facilities.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
