Federal officials are extending the evaluation of a mostly closed California detention center that can house thousands of illegal immigrants, despite the COVID-19 emergency having expired. The facility in Adelanto, California, has been largely empty since 2020 due to a court order in response to a lawsuit from immigrant activists. Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., is calling for the facility to be reopened to help detain and deport the influx of illegal immigrants overwhelming law enforcement and community support services.
ICE recently extended a 60-day task order to evaluate the Adelanto facility’s ongoing litigation, maintenance costs, and operational requirements. The move indicates that ICE is trying to reopen the facility, which can house nearly 2,000 inmates. However, the facility remains closed despite the expiration of the COVID-19 emergency and the re-opening of other facilities across the country. The task orders are implemented with GEO Group, the operator of the facility, which generates $85 million in revenue annually from the contract.
The evaluation of the Adelanto facility has been extended until September, with ICE spokesperson Jenny Burke emphasizing the importance of detention space availability for the agency to remove individuals to their home countries and hold those who pose a public safety threat. The ongoing stalemate at the facility coincides with a recent increase in border encounters in San Diego’s Border Patrol sector, with people crossing into California from countries such as Turkey and China. Senate Democrats recently failed to advance a bipartisan border package for a vote.
The Biden administration has moved away from using private detention facilities for illegal immigrants and has closed multiple facilities, but has also requested more beds from Congress. Republicans have called for more bed space, noting that many beds remain unfilled. Despite the ongoing costs and extended evaluations, the Adelanto facility remains closed and largely empty, with lawmakers and federal officials at odds over the best approach to managing the influx of illegal immigrants and border crossings.
