Nevada Identified as Possible Location for Expanded Immigration Detention Facilities

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(LAS VEGAS)
– Nevada has been named as a potential site for expanding immigration detention facilities, according to documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The documents, released through a Freedom of Information Act request, reveal proposals submitted by private prison operators following a request for information from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Nevada Southern Detention Center in Pahrump, which already houses ICE detainees, is one of the facilities under consideration. ICE is reportedly seeking to increase capacity with an additional 850 to 950 beds, including 15-20% designated for female detainees.

Athar Haseebullah, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, criticized the potential expansion, describing it as “incredibly dangerous” and raising concerns about its economic and social impacts on the state.

“This notion of mass expansion of these sites is incredibly dangerous,” Haseebullah said, adding that undocumented workers make up approximately 9% of Nevada’s labor force and contribute over $500 million annually in state and local taxes.

The documents also note that ICE is looking at several other states for potential detention facility expansion, including Illinois, Utah, Idaho, and Texas. Facilities could be either publicly or privately owned and operated.

The issue has drawn national attention, particularly as President-Elect Donald Trump has reiterated plans for mass deportations. Critics, including Haseebullah, argue that such measures could disrupt Nevada’s economy and community cohesion.

“If the Trump administration makes good on its promises to engage in mass deportation, it will destroy the state of Nevada, both economically and the social fabrics that tie our community together,” he warned.

Governor Joe Lombardo has not yet commented specifically on the proposed expansion in Nevada but has previously expressed support for stricter immigration enforcement.

Lombardo, along with 26 other Republican governors, signed a statement pledging support for Trump’s immigration policies, stating, “We stand ready to utilize every tool at our disposal” to uphold the rule of law.

Private prison company CoreCivic, which operates the Nevada Southern Detention Center, stated it works closely with ICE to meet their needs and adheres to all required standards.

However, Haseebullah and other advocates have voiced concerns about what they describe as systemic issues in the country’s approach to immigration enforcement. The ACLU has indicated its willingness to challenge any policies it deems unconstitutional.

As discussions about detention expansion continue, questions remain about the long-term implications for Nevada’s economy, labor force, and immigrant communities.

This article was AI-generated. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed. SOURCE: KSNV 3 News