The Trump Administration’s New Detention Facility for Migrant Families
The Trump administration is set to establish a 528-bed facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, aimed at housing migrant families and unaccompanied children—a move expected to expedite deportations. This strategic location next to the airport aims to streamline the process, addressing logistical issues that have plagued previous operations.
Previously, children arriving from foster homes and shelters across the country faced significant hurdles in reaching final destinations, often resulting in chaotic situations. Notably, incidents occurred last year in Guatemala, where children were woken during the night and made to wait for hours on airport tarmacs before journeying to Harlingen, Texas. These troubling circumstances underscored the need for a nearby holding facility.
While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has termed the Alexandria installation a “holding area” rather than a detention center, there are concerns about the potential for extended stays. Immigration advocates fear that children could find themselves held there for weeks or even months, mirroring practices seen at existing federal immigration detention centers. Additionally, there are apprehensions about increased surveillance, signaling a shift in the government’s approach to managing migrant families.
Lecia Welch, chief legal counsel for the nonprofit Children’s Rights, expressed serious concerns about the implications of the new facility, warning that it represents a troubling expansion of the nation’s deportation system. She emphasized that this initiative could lead to significant issues in its implementation.
Private Companies to Operate New Deportation Facilities
In accordance with current regulations, unaccompanied minors are not to be placed in ICE-operated facilities but rather must be housed in state-licensed shelters or foster care programs. These facilities are typically overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, although the new Alexandria site will not be managed by this agency.
Instead, Ralph Hennessy, executive director of Air Parks England, stated that the facility will be run by the nonprofit arm of LaSalle Corrections, a private prison contractor. Expected to become operational as early as August, the facility will serve as a 72-hour holding center for immigrants awaiting deportation. Recent records obtained by The Associated Press confirm this operational timeline.
Initially, Compass Connections, a Texas-based organization specializing in shelter operations for unaccompanied minors, was approached to assist in managing the facility. However, company president Sonya Thompson recently announced that her organization would no longer be involved, though specifics were not disclosed.
Facility Claimed as a Humanitarian Initiative
At a recent public meeting, airport officials characterized the new facility as a “humanitarian effort” designed for families that are “voluntarily repatriated.” However, immigration advocates argue that coercion or a lack of understanding often influences these decisions, rather than voluntary choice. Hennessy defended the facility, stating that it aims to support families wishing to return to their home countries.
Located adjacent to the country’s largest deportation hub, the Alexandria International Airport, the facility is expected to facilitate substantial immigration operations. In 2025 alone, ICE data indicated over 4,400 immigration flights at this airport. Official ICE documents stress that families within the facility will remain under ICE custody and may only be released in accordance with ICE directives.
Role of Private Prison Companies in ICE Operations
LaSalle Corrections, a Louisiana-based private prison company, is heavily involved in managing various detention facilities across the South, including a maximum-security prison in Angola. The new ICE site will be operated by the LaSalle Family Foundation, which, while a nonprofit organization, is closely linked to the parent company, providing educational programs and support services in correctional environments.
Nevertheless, LaSalle Corrections itself will ensure compliance and direct management of the facility, as clarified by the company’s chief financial officer. Despite the clear connections between the nonprofit and private sectors, a spokesperson for LaSalle declined to comment on the operational aspects of the new site.
Concerns regarding inmate welfare persist, particularly following reports of two deaths at a LaSalle-operated facility since April. In June, the Winn Correctional Center was cited for violating multiple standards related to health and safety, highlighting ongoing issues within the broader context of ICE detention practices.
