As of July 2025, the future of the Leavenworth Detention Center, now called the Midwest Regional Reception Center, remains uncertain. The facility’s reopening as an ICE detention center is on hold due to a legal dispute between CoreCivic, the private prison company that owns the site, and the City of Leavenworth. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the timeline, required actions, and what these developments mean for immigrants, local residents, and anyone with pending immigration cases that could be impacted by this facility.
Summary of Recent Changes
- Legal Status: In June 2025, a Kansas state judge issued a temporary injunction. This court order blocks CoreCivic from reopening the Leavenworth Detention Center until the company gets a special use permit from the City of Leavenworth. CoreCivic has challenged this ruling, but as of July 22, 2025, the injunction remains in place. No detainees have been moved to the facility.
- Contract Awarded: Despite the legal pause, ICE awarded CoreCivic a $10.2 million, five-year contract in March 2025 to house immigration detainees at the site. ICE had planned to start transferring detainees in June, but the city’s lawsuit stopped these plans.
- Community and Economic Impact: The debate has divided Leavenworth. Some residents and advocacy groups worry about the facility’s history and the impact on the town, while others see economic benefits from new jobs and city revenue.
Who Is Affected
- Immigrants in ICE Custody: The facility was set to house both men and women detained by ICE, mostly from the Midwest. With the injunction, these detainees remain in other facilities, and their transfer to Leavenworth is delayed.
- Local Community: Leavenworth residents face uncertainty about new jobs, city revenue, and the possible impact on the town’s character and safety.
- CoreCivic Employees and Applicants: Over 1,600 people have applied for 300 jobs at the facility, but hiring is on hold until the legal dispute is resolved.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the ACLU and local immigrant rights groups are closely watching the case, raising concerns about detainee welfare and the ethics of private detention.
Effective Dates and Timeline
- March 2025: ICE awards CoreCivic the contract to operate the facility.
- June 2025: Kansas judge issues a temporary injunction, blocking the reopening until a special use permit is obtained.
- July 22, 2025: The injunction remains in effect. No detainees have been transferred, and the facility is still closed.
- Next Steps: The timeline for reopening depends on the outcome of the ongoing court case and whether CoreCivic applies for and receives the required permit.
Required Actions for Stakeholders
- CoreCivic: Must either win its legal challenge or apply for a special use permit from the City of Leavenworth. This process includes public notice and hearings, which could take weeks or months.
- City of Leavenworth: Continues to enforce local ordinances and defend its position in court. Residents can attend public meetings or contact city officials for updates.
- ICE: Must wait for the legal dispute to resolve before transferring detainees to Leavenworth. ICE continues to look for ways to expand detention capacity nationwide.
- Immigrants and Families: Those with pending cases should stay in contact with legal representatives. No immediate transfers to Leavenworth are expected until the legal process is complete.
- Job Applicants: Those who applied for jobs at the facility should monitor CoreCivic’s updates for any changes in hiring status.
Background and Historical Context
The Leavenworth Detention Center opened in 1992 and was run by CoreCivic (formerly Corrections Corporation of America) as a maximum-security federal prison. It expanded several times, reaching a capacity of 1,126 beds by 2008. The facility closed in late 2021 after President Biden’s Executive Order 14006 stopped federal contracts with private prisons.
A 2017 report from the Department of Justice Inspector General found problems at the facility, including understaffing and poor oversight, which led to safety and security issues. Advocacy groups like the ACLU have long criticized the conditions there.
The Trump administration’s push for more deportations has led ICE to seek more detention space, including reopening closed facilities like Leavenworth. This is a shift from the Biden administration’s earlier efforts to reduce the use of private prisons for immigration detention.
Key Issues in the Current Dispute
1. Local Permitting vs. Federal Priorities
– The City of Leavenworth says CoreCivic must get a special use permit to reopen the facility as a detention center. This is required by local law and includes a 20-day public notice before hearings.
– CoreCivic argues that because it operated the facility for nearly 30 years, it should not need a new permit. The company says the city has not shown any “irreparable” harm from reopening.
– The court’s injunction means the facility cannot open until this issue is settled.
2. Detainee Welfare
– If the facility reopens, it will house ICE detainees from across the Midwest. Advocacy groups worry that detainees could face the same poor conditions reported in the past.
– CoreCivic promises improved standards and says any agreement with ICE would prevent detainees from being released locally.
3. Community Concerns
– Some residents fear the facility will change the town’s character and raise safety concerns. Leavenworth already has several prisons, and some worry about adding another.
– Others see the economic benefits, including new jobs and increased city revenue.
4. Economic Impact
– CoreCivic has offered the city a $1 million one-time impact fee, $250,000 annual fee, and $150,000 annual payment to the police department, plus over $1 million in annual property taxes.
– The company says there is strong interest in jobs, with over 1,600 applicants for 300 positions starting at $28.25 per hour plus benefits.
– Critics argue that making money from detention is wrong and that economic benefits should not outweigh moral concerns.
National Context and Policy Shifts
The Trump administration has set a goal to expand ICE detention capacity from 41,500 beds to around 100,000. ICE has used “letter contracts” to speed up the process, skipping the usual competitive bidding. Legal experts, like Charles Tiefer from the University of Baltimore Law School, have criticized this approach, saying it is not appropriate for large, long-term contracts.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this push for more detention space is part of a larger trend toward stricter immigration enforcement. However, local resistance and legal challenges, like the one in Leavenworth, can slow or block these efforts.
Step-by-Step Overview of the Leavenworth Case
- CoreCivic’s Interest: Early 2025, CoreCivic announces plans to reopen the Leavenworth Detention Center as an ICE facility.
- ICE Contract: In March 2025, ICE awards CoreCivic a $10.2 million, five-year contract.
- Permitting Dispute: The City of Leavenworth demands that CoreCivic get a special use permit, as required by city law.
- Legal Action: The city sues after CoreCivic tries to skip the permit process. In June, a judge issues a temporary injunction.
- CoreCivic’s Response: The company files a motion to reconsider, arguing the permit is not needed and highlighting economic benefits.
- Current Status: As of July 22, 2025, the injunction is still in place. The facility remains closed, and no detainees have been transferred.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- CoreCivic: Ryan Gustin, Senior Director of Public Affairs, says the company has run the facility for nearly 30 years and does not need a new permit. He points to job creation and financial contributions to the city.
- City of Leavenworth: City Manager Scott Peterson says no permit application has been submitted. City lawyer David Waters says the dispute is about following local rules, not immigration policy.
- Residents and Advocates: Some residents oppose the facility due to its history and possible impact on the town. Others support it for the jobs and revenue. The ACLU and other groups continue to oppose the project, citing human rights concerns.
- ICE and Federal Officials: ICE has not commented directly on Leavenworth but is working to expand detention capacity nationwide.
Implications for Pending Applications and Detainees
- No Immediate Transfers: Anyone with a pending immigration case or family member in ICE custody should know that no transfers to Leavenworth will happen until the legal dispute is resolved.
- Possible Delays: If the facility eventually opens, ICE may move detainees from other Midwest locations to Leavenworth. This could affect where people are held and how easily families and lawyers can visit.
- Community Impact: The outcome will affect local jobs, city revenue, and the town’s identity. Residents should stay informed and participate in public meetings if they want to have a say.
What Happens Next?
- Legal Resolution: The court must decide if CoreCivic needs a permit. If the company wins, the facility could open quickly. If not, CoreCivic will need to go through the city’s permit process, which includes public hearings and possible pushback.
- Policy Environment: The Trump administration’s focus on expanding detention means there is strong federal pressure to open more facilities. However, local governments and courts can slow or stop these plans.
- Long-Term Effects: If Leavenworth reopens, it will add over 1,000 beds to ICE’s detention system in the Midwest. This could affect thousands of immigrants, local jobs, and the private prison industry.
Official Resources and Next Steps
- City of Leavenworth: For updates on the permit process and public meetings, visit the City of Leavenworth official website.
- ICE: For general information on detention operations and policies, see the ICE Detention Facilities page.
- CoreCivic: The company’s website and public affairs office provide updates on the facility and job postings.
- Advocacy Groups: The ACLU and local immigrant rights organizations offer resources for affected individuals and families.
Key Facts and Figures
- Facility Capacity: 1,126 beds
- ICE Contract Value: $10.2 million over five years
- Local Fees Offered: $1 million one-time, $250,000 annual, $150,000 annual police fee, over $1 million in property taxes
- Employment: 300 jobs, 1,600+ applicants, $28.25/hour starting wage
- National Detention Capacity: 41,500 beds funded, goal of 100,000 beds
- Detainee Population: About 48,000 in ICE custody as of April 2025
Actionable Takeaways
- For Immigrants and Families: No transfers to Leavenworth are expected until the legal case is resolved. Stay in touch with your legal representative for updates.
- For Local Residents: Attend city meetings and follow official updates to stay informed and make your voice heard.
- For Job Seekers: Monitor CoreCivic’s updates for changes in hiring status.
- For Advocates: Continue to track legal developments and participate in public hearings if you want to influence the outcome.
The debate over the Leavenworth Detention Center shows how local laws, federal immigration policy, and community values can collide. The outcome will shape not only the future of this facility but also set an example for other communities facing similar decisions about immigration detention and private prisons. For the latest information, check official city and ICE resources, and stay engaged as the situation develops.
Learn Today
Injunction → A court order temporarily preventing reopening without legal approval.
CoreCivic → A private prison company operating the detention center.
Special use permit → Local government permission required to operate the detention facility.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency managing detainees.
Detention center → Facility where immigrants are held while their cases proceed.
This Article in a Nutshell
Leavenworth Detention Center’s reopening hangs on a legal battle over permits. CoreCivic secured a $10.2 million ICE contract, but the July 2025 injunction halts detainee transfers amid community debate over jobs and detainee welfare.
— By VisaVerge.com
