Key Takeaways
• Chase County Detention Center is Kansas’s only active ICE detention facility as of May 2025.
• CoreCivic plans to reopen Leavenworth prison by June 1, 2025, facing a lawsuit over permits.
• ICE arrested 50+ immigrants in Kansas during 2024, focusing on criminal records and recent border crossers.
Federal Immigration Detention in Kansas: Expansion, Community Response, and What It Means for Immigrants
Federal immigration enforcement in Kansas has entered a new phase in 2025, marked by shifting detention practices, legal battles over facility expansion, and growing community concern. As the United States 🇺🇸 government moves to increase its capacity to detain and deport immigrants, Kansas has become a focal point for these changes. This article explains the current state of ICE detention in Kansas, the role of the Chase County Detention Center, the pending expansion in Leavenworth, recent enforcement actions, and what these developments mean for immigrants, families, and local communities.
ICE Detention in Kansas: Who, What, Where, and Why
As of May 2025, the main facility holding immigrants for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Kansas is the Chase County Detention Center in Cottonwood Falls. This county jail is the only Kansas facility with an active agreement to detain people for ICE. In February 2025, the federal government also signed a short-term deal to let ICE use a small part of the federal prison in Leavenworth, expanding detention capacity in the state.
The push to expand ICE detention in Kansas comes as President Trump’s administration promises to ramp up immigration enforcement. According to documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), ICE is actively seeking to grow its detention network in Kansas and other states. Private prison company CoreCivic has proposed reopening its closed Leavenworth facility as a new ICE detention center, sparking legal and political battles.
The Chase County Detention Center: Kansas’s ICE Hub
For years, the Chase County Detention Center has been the main place where ICE holds immigrants in Kansas. Located in Cottonwood Falls, this county jail is under contract with ICE to detain people arrested for immigration violations.
Key facts about the Chase County Detention Center:
– It is currently the only Kansas jail with an active ICE detention agreement.
– In the past, more than a dozen Kansas jails had such agreements, but most have ended them.
– People arrested by ICE in the Kansas City area are processed at the ICE field office there, while those arrested in western Kansas are processed in Wichita.
– After processing, detainees may be held at Chase County or, if space is full, in jails in Missouri or Oklahoma.
The Chase County Detention Center plays a central role in the state’s immigration enforcement system. Cases for people held there are usually heard at the immigration court in Kansas City. For those sent to Kay County Detention Center in Oklahoma, cases may be heard virtually in Newkirk, Oklahoma, due to court backlogs.
Leavenworth Facility: Pending Expansion and Legal Battle
A major development is the plan by CoreCivic to reopen its closed Leavenworth prison as the Midwest Regional Reception Center for ICE detainees. This move has sparked a legal fight with the city of Leavenworth.
Timeline and key points:
– CoreCivic plans to reopen the facility on June 1, 2025, to hold immigrants for ICE.
– The city of Leavenworth filed a lawsuit in March 2025 to block the opening, arguing CoreCivic needs a special use permit.
– CoreCivic claims the facility, which operated as a prison from 1992 to 2021, does not need a new permit.
– U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse heard arguments on May 26, 2025, and is expected to decide by May 30, 2025.
– Leavenworth Mayor Holly Pittman has said the city is open to working with CoreCivic, but wants proper procedures followed.
The outcome of this court case could set a precedent for how immigration detention facilities are approved and operated in Kansas.
ICE Enforcement Operations: Recent Arrests in Kansas
ICE has stepped up enforcement actions in Kansas over the past year, focusing on people with criminal convictions and those with outstanding deportation orders.
Recent operations include:
– In March 2024, ICE arrested 19 people in Liberal, Kansas. Eighteen had criminal convictions, and five were immigration fugitives with deportation orders. Crimes included drug trafficking, aggravated assault, burglary, domestic assault, DUI, and illegal re-entry after deportation.
– In June 2024, a larger operation across six Midwestern states led to 31 arrests in Kansas. Of these, 25 had convictions for crimes like battery, sexual assault, aggravated assault, DUI, and robbery. Six were recent border crossers, and ten had previously been deported and re-entered the United States 🇺🇸 illegally.
– Most arrests took place in Wichita, Dodge City, and Garden City.
These enforcement actions show ICE’s focus on people with criminal records, but also include those who have recently crossed the border or re-entered after deportation.
How ICE Detention and Deportation Work in Kansas
The process for detaining and deporting immigrants in Kansas involves several steps:
- Arrest and Processing
- ICE arrests people based on immigration violations or criminal convictions.
- Those arrested in the Kansas City area are processed at the ICE field office there; those in western Kansas are processed in Wichita.
- Processing includes fingerprinting, photographing, and background checks.
- Detention Locations
- Detainees may be held at the Chase County Detention Center, or if full, in Missouri jails such as Greene County Jail (Springfield), Phelps County Jail (Rolla), Ozark County Jail (Gainesville), or Ste. Genevieve Detention Center.
- Some are sent to Kay County Detention Center in Newkirk, Oklahoma.
- Court Hearings
- Cases for those held in Chase County or Missouri are heard at the immigration court in Kansas City.
- For those in Kay County, hearings may be held virtually in Newkirk, Oklahoma, due to court overloads.
- Deportation
- If a judge orders deportation, ICE arranges removal from the United States 🇺🇸.
For more details on ICE detention and removal procedures, readers can visit the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.
Local Law Enforcement and ICE: Cooperation and Policy
Kansas law enforcement agencies have different approaches to working with ICE:
- Dodge City Police Department: No formal 287(g) agreement (which would let local officers act as ICE agents), but cooperates with ICE as directed.
- Johnson County Sheriff: Reports no contact from federal agencies for immigration enforcement help.
- Olathe Police Department: Informed when federal agencies operate locally, but does not take part in arrests.
- Topeka Police Department: States it provides fair services to all, regardless of immigration status, and has no ICE agreement.
These policies reflect a mix of cooperation and caution, with some agencies limiting their involvement in federal immigration enforcement.
The Push for Expanded ICE Detention: National and Local Context
The Trump administration has made expanding immigration detention a top priority. President Trump has promised to deport 1 million people in his first year back in office. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, ICE is considering proposals to expand detention in Kansas and other states, with CoreCivic submitting a plan for a new facility in Leavenworth.
The ACLU obtained documents in April 2025 showing ICE plans to expand detention in 10 states across the Midwest and West Coast. These plans are part of a larger push, with the administration seeking up to $45 billion for new detention centers.
Community Response: Opposition and Advocacy
Many Kansas residents and advocacy groups oppose the expansion of ICE detention. The ACLU of Kansas has been vocal, with Executive Director Micah Kubic warning that more ICE detention will “deeply harm our fellow Kansans.” The ACLU argues that the community of Leavenworth has repeatedly said ICE and CoreCivic are not welcome.
Eunice Cho, a senior attorney at the ACLU’s National Prison Project, called the expansion “a disastrous waste of billions of taxpayer dollars that will only line the coffers of the private prison industry.”
The ACLU of Kansas has launched a campaign to win local civil liberties protections, urging state and local officials to build a “firewall for freedom” to protect residents from federal immigration enforcement.
What This Means for Immigrants and Families
The expansion of ICE detention in Kansas, especially at the Chase County Detention Center and the proposed Leavenworth facility, has real effects on immigrants and their families:
- Increased Risk of Detention: More detention beds mean more people could be held for immigration violations, including those with minor offenses or no criminal record.
- Family Separation: Detention often leads to families being split up, with children left behind when parents are detained.
- Legal Challenges: Detainees may face court hearings far from home, making it hard to find legal help or support.
- Community Fear: The threat of detention and deportation creates fear among immigrant communities, even for those with legal status.
Implications for Local Communities and Stakeholders
The debate over ICE detention in Kansas affects many groups:
- Immigrants and Their Families: Face uncertainty, risk of detention, and possible deportation.
- Local Governments: Must decide whether to support or oppose new detention centers, balancing public opinion, legal requirements, and financial interests.
- Law Enforcement: Must set policies on cooperation with ICE, affecting trust with immigrant communities.
- Private Prison Companies: Stand to profit from new contracts, but face opposition from residents and advocacy groups.
- Advocacy Groups: Work to protect civil liberties and support affected families.
What’s Next: Pending Decisions and Ongoing Debate
The immediate future of ICE detention in Kansas hinges on the court decision expected by May 30, 2025, regarding the Leavenworth facility. If CoreCivic is allowed to reopen the prison as an ICE detention center, Kansas could see a major increase in detention capacity.
At the same time, community groups and local officials continue to debate the best path forward. The outcome will shape not only immigration enforcement in Kansas but also the lives of thousands of immigrants and their families.
Practical Guidance for Immigrants in Kansas
If you or a loved one is concerned about ICE detention in Kansas, here are some steps to consider:
- Know Your Rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸 has rights, regardless of immigration status. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Prepare a Family Plan: Make arrangements for children and important documents in case of detention.
- Seek Legal Help: Contact an immigration attorney or local legal aid group for advice. The U.S. Department of Justice’s list of free legal service providers can help you find support.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from trusted sources, such as local news, advocacy groups, and official government websites.
Conclusion: Kansas at a Crossroads
Kansas stands at a crossroads as federal immigration enforcement expands. The Chase County Detention Center remains the state’s main ICE facility, but the proposed reopening of the Leavenworth prison could change the landscape. Community opposition, legal battles, and shifting policies all play a role in shaping what comes next.
For immigrants, families, and local communities, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the decisions made in Kansas will have lasting effects on immigration enforcement across the region.
Key Takeaways:
– The Chase County Detention Center is currently the only Kansas facility with an active ICE detention agreement.
– CoreCivic’s plan to reopen the Leavenworth facility as an ICE detention center is facing legal challenges.
– ICE has increased enforcement operations in Kansas, focusing on people with criminal convictions and recent border crossers.
– Local law enforcement agencies have varying policies on cooperation with ICE.
– Community groups and the ACLU are actively opposing expanded detention, citing harm to families and waste of taxpayer money.
– The outcome of the Leavenworth court case will shape the future of ICE detention in Kansas.
For the latest updates on immigration detention and enforcement in Kansas, visit the ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page or consult local advocacy organizations.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for deporting and detaining unauthorized immigrants.
Chase County Detention Center → The only Kansas facility with an active contract to detain immigrants for ICE.
CoreCivic → A private prison company proposing to reopen Leavenworth as an ICE detention center.
287(g) Agreement → A legal agreement allowing local law enforcement to perform immigration enforcement functions.
Deportation Order → A legal order for removing someone from the United States due to immigration violations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Kansas is a key site for expanding ICE detention, with Chase County as the hub. Legal battles over Leavenworth’s reopening reflect community concerns about immigrant treatment and detention policies amid increased enforcement nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
