(LOUISIANA) Louisiana officials are in early talks with the Trump Administration to use a wing of the Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, for holding immigrant detainees. These discussions, confirmed by multiple local sources on August 5, 2025, could lead to a major change in how immigration detention is handled in the state.
The talks come after Governor Jeff Landry signed an executive order to speed up repairs at the Camp J section of Angola, which has been closed since 2018. If the plan moves forward, Camp J could soon house federal immigration detainees, expanding Louisiana’s role in national immigration enforcement. The Governor’s Office has not commented on the negotiations, and the Louisiana Department of Corrections has not responded to media questions as of August 5.
Key Developments and Timeline
- August 5, 2025: News breaks that Louisiana is in active discussions with the Trump Administration about using Angola’s Camp J for immigration detention.
- Governor’s Executive Order: Governor Landry signs an order to fast-track repairs at Camp J, showing state support for expanding detention capacity.
- No Final Agreement Yet: As of now, there is no public agreement or timeline for when detainees might be moved into the facility.
These talks are part of a larger trend. In recent years, Louisiana has housed hundreds of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees in state and local jails. High-profile cases, like that of Columbia University student leader Mahmoud Khalil, have brought attention to the use of Louisiana facilities for federal immigration detention.
Stakeholders Involved
Several key groups are involved in these discussions:
- Governor Jeff Landry: By signing the executive order, he has shown support for using Camp J for immigration detention.
- Louisiana Department of Corrections: This agency would run the facility if the plan goes ahead, but it has not made any public statements.
- Trump Administration: Federal officials are working directly with Louisiana to expand detention space as part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE would likely oversee the transfer of detainees and set standards for the facility, though it has not commented on the Angola plan.
Policy Implications and Practical Effects
If Louisiana and the Trump Administration reach an agreement, Camp J at Angola would be repurposed to hold immigrant detainees. This move would:
- Increase Louisiana’s capacity to house federal immigration detainees.
- Support the Trump Administration’s strategy to expand detention space and speed up removals, as seen in recent policy changes and the sudden transfer of detainees to Louisiana ICE facilities earlier in 2025.
- Raise concerns among immigrant rights advocates about holding civil immigration detainees in a high-security prison environment, which could mean longer stays and less access to legal help.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Trump Administration’s 2025 immigration policy changes have focused on quickly expanding detention capacity, with Louisiana playing a central role.
Procedural Details
Governor Landry’s executive order is meant to make repairs and renovations at Camp J happen faster. However, as of August 5, 2025, there are no public details about:
- How many detainees would be held at Camp J
- When repairs will be finished
- When or how detainees would be transferred
- What contracts or agreements would look like
- What rules or procedures would be in place
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigrant rights groups have long criticized the use of high-security prisons like Angola for civil immigration detention. They worry about:
- Detainee treatment: Prisons are designed for criminal punishment, not civil detention, and may not meet the needs of immigrants who have not been charged with crimes.
- Access to legal resources: Remote locations like Angola can make it hard for detainees to get legal help or see family.
- Due process: Advocates fear that detainees may not get fair hearings or timely access to courts.
On the other hand, state officials point to the need for new sources of revenue and making use of existing buildings, especially as Louisiana faces budget problems. Some legal experts say that the Trump Administration’s focus on expanding detention space is putting Louisiana at the center of national immigration enforcement.
Historical Context
Louisiana has a long history of housing ICE detainees in state and local jails. The Angola prison, in particular, has been used for this purpose during times when the federal government needed more detention space. Camp J, the part of Angola now being discussed, was closed in 2018 because of concerns about poor conditions and high costs. Now, with new federal interest, the state is considering reopening it.
Future Outlook
The talks between Louisiana and the Trump Administration are ongoing. No final decisions have been made, and no timeline has been announced for when Camp J might start holding detainees. As repairs move forward and negotiations continue, several things could happen:
- Advocacy groups may increase scrutiny and possibly file legal challenges if the plan goes ahead, especially over detainee rights and facility conditions.
- Other states may watch closely to see if this model could be used elsewhere under the Trump Administration’s immigration policies.
- The outcome could set a precedent for how other states handle federal requests for more detention space.
What This Means for Immigrants and Families
For immigrants who might be detained at Camp J, this plan could mean:
- Longer stays in a high-security prison environment
- Possible difficulties in getting legal help or visits from family
- Uncertainty about when or if they will be released
Families and advocates should stay informed by checking official sources like the Louisiana Governor’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Corrections. These sites will have updates as more information becomes available.
Practical Steps for Affected Communities
- 📋 Stay informed: Watch for updates from state and federal agencies.
- 📋 Seek legal help: If you or a loved one may be affected, contact an immigration lawyer or local advocacy group.
- 📋 Document everything: Keep records of any communication with ICE or state officials.
- 📋 Connect with support networks: Local immigrant rights groups can provide information and assistance.
Conclusion
The ongoing talks between Louisiana and the Trump Administration about using the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for immigration detention could have wide-reaching effects. While the plan could bring new revenue and make use of existing buildings, it also raises serious questions about detainee treatment and access to justice. As the situation develops, it is important for affected individuals and families to stay informed, seek help, and be prepared for possible changes in detention policies. For the latest updates, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
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