Key Takeaways
• Federal judge dismissed Leavenworth lawsuit allowing CoreCivic to reopen immigration detention center by June 1, 2025.
• Leavenworth facility faced allegations of violence, understaffing, medical neglect, and overcrowding before its 2021 closure.
• CoreCivic plans to expand detention amid federal goals to double ICE bed capacity to 100,000 nationwide.
A federal judge has cleared the way for CoreCivic, one of the largest private prison companies in the United States 🇺🇸, to reopen its Leavenworth facility as an immigration detention center. On May 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the City of Leavenworth’s lawsuit, which aimed to block CoreCivic from housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees at the site. This decision could allow CoreCivic to begin operations as early as June 1, 2025, marking a major shift in the ongoing debate over private immigration detention and local control.
Judge’s Ruling: Why the Lawsuit Was Dismissed
Judge Toby Crouse, who was appointed by President Trump in 2020, ruled that the City of Leavenworth did not have the legal grounds to bring its case to federal court. In his decision, Judge Crouse stated that the city “failed to establish subject-matter jurisdiction” and “has not pled facts to establish that subject-matter jurisdiction exists in federal court to consider that claim.” This means the judge found that the court did not have the authority to decide on the city’s request to stop CoreCivic from reopening the facility.
During a hearing on May 20, Judge Crouse questioned whether he had any power to act on the city’s request for an injunction—a legal order that would have temporarily stopped CoreCivic from moving forward. After reviewing the arguments, he decided to dismiss the case entirely.
CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin welcomed the ruling, saying, “We remain focused on ensuring the Midwest Regional Reception Center is prepared to meet the needs of our federal partner.” However, Gustin did not confirm whether CoreCivic would definitely begin housing ICE detainees in June as previously planned.
The City of Leavenworth has not yet decided if it will appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver. City Manager Scott Peterson said city officials would talk with their attorneys and likely discuss the issue with the city commission in the coming week. Peterson also mentioned that further negotiations with CoreCivic were possible.
Background: The Leavenworth Facility and Its Troubled Past
The Leavenworth facility, now called the Midwest Regional Reception Center, has a complicated history. It was closed in 2021 after President Biden signed an executive order to phase out federal contracts with private prisons. During its years of operation, the facility faced serious allegations, including:
- Chronic understaffing
- Mismanagement
- Incidents of violence
- Medical neglect
- Overcrowded cells
Former employees and detainees have described the center as a place where preventable overdoses, suicides, and stabbings were not uncommon. William Rogers, a former corrections officer, shared that he was once attacked by an inmate who “slashed his head open with a metal lunch tray.” These stories have fueled local opposition to reopening the facility.
Despite these concerns, CoreCivic’s plan to reopen the Leavenworth site comes at a time when the federal government is looking to expand immigration detention capacity. The Biden administration had already increased ICE detentions, which benefited private prison companies. This trend is expected to continue under the Trump administration, with federal authorities aiming to double detention capacity to 100,000 beds. Lawmakers are considering a proposal to give the Department of Homeland Security $175 billion over five years—a 65% increase in its budget.
Legal Dispute: Permits, Politics, and Local Control
At the heart of the legal fight was whether CoreCivic needed a special use permit from the City of Leavenworth before reopening the facility as an immigration detention center. The city argued that because the facility had been closed since 2021, CoreCivic should have to go through the permitting process again. Leavenworth put development regulations in place in 2012, and the facility was “grandfathered in” at that time, meaning it could operate under the old rules as long as it didn’t close.
CoreCivic, on the other hand, claimed it did not need a new permit because it had not changed the type of business at the site and had not abandoned the property. The company’s attorney, Taylor Hausmann, suggested that the city’s actions were politically motivated, saying, “We think it is telling that the decision to attempt to revoke the special use did not come until after CoreCivic entered into a contract with ICE.”
Leavenworth’s attorney, Joseph Hatley, responded that the city had not gone to court earlier because CoreCivic initially agreed with the city and applied for a special use permit in February 2025. However, CoreCivic later withdrew that application, claiming it was not needed. Hatley argued that an injunction would only be a temporary measure while CoreCivic completed the permitting process, which he estimated would take “2 to 3 months.”
Community Response: Fears, Protests, and Calls for Accountability
The plan to reopen the Leavenworth immigration detention center has sparked strong opposition from many in the community, including activists, former employees, and local residents. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kansas has urged the city to appeal the judge’s decision. Esmie Tseng, a spokeswoman for the ACLU, said, “We hope the city will explore all of its options as the concerns of the lawsuit since its filing in February—CoreCivic’s disregard for the city’s governance and its rush to fill the facility without accountability—have only grown more urgent.”
Former CoreCivic employees have spoken at city and county meetings about their negative experiences working at the detention center. They have described a workplace filled with violence, poor management, and unsafe conditions.
Local residents have raised several concerns, including:
- Fear that immigrants brought to Leavenworth might be released and stay in the community
- Worries that families of detainees will move to the city to be near their relatives
- Questions about the humanity and necessity of mass immigration roundups
- Doubts about CoreCivic’s ability to run a safe and humane facility
- Concerns about whether there will be enough staff, since nearby state and federal prisons are already understaffed
These concerns have led to protests, public meetings, and ongoing debate about the future of the facility.
CoreCivic’s Response: Promises and Plans
CoreCivic has defended its record and its plans for the Leavenworth facility. The company says that past problems were “isolated incidents during a limited timeframe.” To address staffing concerns, CoreCivic claims it has received over 1,000 job applications for about 300 expected openings at the center.
Misty Mackey, the warden of the new facility, said in a press release, “Despite what politically extreme outsider groups are saying, potential new employees and local business partners are excited to be part of what we’re creating in Leavenworth. We’re looking forward to operating a safe, transparent, accountable facility that will be a positive for this community dedicated to public service.”
CoreCivic has also responded to allegations about its hiring practices during facility renovations. The company sent cease-and-desist letters to those who accused a roofing company working at the site of hiring workers without proper permits. Spokesman Ryan Gustin stated, “Any claims that our company has a contractor working for us at our Leavenworth facility that has undocumented or unauthorized workers doing the work are completely false.”
National Context: The Push for More Detention Beds
The dispute in Leavenworth is part of a larger national trend. The Trump administration’s focus on mass deportations has run into practical problems, especially a lack of detention beds. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the nation’s detention facilities were at maximum capacity last month. Some centers are so crowded that detainees have to sleep on the floor. At the Krome North Service Processing Center in Miami, staff reportedly fear an “uprising” as the population has grown to nearly three times the facility’s capacity.
ICE is now looking for new contracts with private prison companies like CoreCivic, often targeting closed or dormant detention centers for reopening. However, many of these facilities have troubling histories. For example:
- The Etowah County Detention Center in Alabama closed due to unsanitary conditions.
- FCI Dublin in California, known as “the rape club,” was shut down after reports of widespread sexual abuse.
These examples highlight the risks and challenges of expanding immigration detention through private companies.
What Happens Next? Possible Outcomes and Implications
With Judge Crouse’s ruling, CoreCivic is now in a strong position to move forward with reopening the Leavenworth immigration detention center. However, several things could still change the timeline or outcome:
- The City of Leavenworth may appeal the decision to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. An appeal could delay the reopening or even result in a different outcome.
- Further negotiations between the city and CoreCivic could lead to new agreements or conditions for the facility’s operation.
- Community opposition and activism may continue, putting pressure on both CoreCivic and local officials to address concerns about safety, staffing, and the treatment of detainees.
If CoreCivic goes ahead as planned, the Midwest Regional Reception Center will become part of a growing network of immigration detention centers across the United States 🇺🇸. This expansion is part of the federal government’s goal to double detention capacity to 100,000 beds.
Broader Implications: Federal Policy vs. Local Control
The Leavenworth case highlights a key tension in U.S. immigration policy: the conflict between federal enforcement goals and local government authority. While the federal government, through ICE, seeks to expand detention capacity, local communities often have their own concerns about safety, resources, and the impact on residents.
The case also raises questions about the role of private companies in immigration detention. Critics argue that companies like CoreCivic have a financial incentive to keep detention centers full, which can lead to problems with overcrowding, poor conditions, and lack of accountability. Supporters say private companies can provide needed capacity and jobs, especially in areas where public facilities are already stretched thin.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the reopening of facilities like Leavenworth is part of a broader trend of relying on private contractors to meet federal immigration enforcement needs. This approach remains controversial, with ongoing debates about cost, safety, and the treatment of detainees.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
For immigrants and their families, it’s important to know your rights if you or a loved one may be detained by ICE. The ICE Detainee Locator is an official government tool that can help families find out where someone is being held.
For local residents and community groups, staying informed and engaged with city officials and public meetings is key. Community input can influence how facilities are run and what safeguards are put in place.
For job seekers, CoreCivic has announced hundreds of job openings at the Leavenworth facility. However, it’s wise to research the company’s record and talk to former employees before applying.
For policy makers and advocates, the Leavenworth case is a reminder of the need for clear rules and oversight when it comes to private immigration detention. Ensuring transparency, accountability, and humane treatment should be top priorities.
Conclusion: What to Watch For
The future of the Leavenworth immigration detention center remains uncertain. While CoreCivic has won a key legal battle, the city may still appeal, and community opposition is likely to continue. The case is a window into the larger debate over immigration enforcement, private prisons, and the balance between federal and local power.
As the United States 🇺🇸 moves to expand its immigration detention system, the experiences in Leavenworth will be closely watched by communities, advocates, and officials across the country. The outcome will shape not only the lives of those detained but also the future of immigration policy and private detention in America.
For more information on immigration detention and your rights, visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official website.
By staying informed and involved, all stakeholders can help ensure that immigration policies are fair, transparent, and respectful of human dignity.
Learn Today
CoreCivic → A major private prison company operating detention centers under federal contracts, including immigration facilities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and detaining migrants in the U.S.
Federal jurisdiction → The legal authority of federal courts to hear and decide cases under federal law.
Special use permit → A local government authorization required to operate certain businesses or land uses in specified zones.
Detention capacity → The total number of beds or spaces available to hold detainees in immigration or correctional facilities.
This Article in a Nutshell
A judge cleared CoreCivic to reopen Leavenworth immigration detention center despite local opposition. The move raises safety concerns amid expanding ICE detention nationwide. CoreCivic promises transparency and staffing. Community and legal battles highlight tensions between federal goals and local control over immigration enforcement facilities.
— By VisaVerge.com
