Contract Signed for New Immigration Processing Center in Colorado
A government contractor has announced a five-year agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to establish a federal immigration processing center in Hudson, located northeast of Denver.
Utilization of a Vacant Facility
The new center will be situated in a former prison facility that has remained empty since 2014. Owned by Highlands REIT, the site, previously known as Hudson Correctional Facility, is set to be renamed the Bighorn Facility. The facility, which opened in the 2000s, is being repurposed to aid in federal immigration processing.
Increased Capacity for Immigration Detention
This new center adds significant capacity to the region’s immigration detention infrastructure. Complementing the nearby Aurora ICE detention facility operated by GEO Group, the Bighorn Facility can accommodate an additional 1,200 individuals, raising the total available capacity to over 1,500.
Local Government Response and Community Concerns
Following the announcement, the Town of Hudson issued a statement emphasizing that it does not have the authority to approve federal immigration detention operations at this private facility. Local officials are proactively preparing for potential impacts, focusing on emergency response planning, water supply management, and infrastructure assessments.
Criticism from Advocacy Groups
The contract has sparked criticism from lawyers and immigration advocates. Olivia Mendoza, Executive Director of the ACLU of Colorado, labeled the center’s establishment as another troubling instance of the previous administration’s immigration policies. The ACLU is seeking transparency surrounding ICE’s plans for the facility amid concerns about a lack of public information.
Protests and Calls for Accountability
In January, community protesters rallied against the facility, expressing strong opposition to its development. Legal director Tim McDonald from the ACLU highlighted the challenges faced in accessing critical information regarding ICE’s expansion plans, shedding light on the broader struggle for transparency in immigration enforcement.
Government Reactions and Promises for Care
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security assured that the contract with the GEO Group aims to enhance ICE’s capacity to enforce immigration policies and ensure public safety. The spokesperson emphasized that individuals in ICE custody will receive comprehensive medical care, which includes 24-hour emergency services—a crucial lifeline for many undocumented immigrants.
Voices of Concern from the Community
Local residents like Mick and Cheryl DiPaolo have voiced mixed feelings about the development, with concerns centering on the treatment of detainees and the operations of the new facility. They expressed the need for transparency, advocating for visibility into the conditions within the center, reflecting broader community anxieties regarding the implications of expanding immigration detention in Colorado.
