California’s largest federal immigration detention facility has quietly reopened in Kern County, operated by private prison company CoreCivic. The California City Correctional Facility, now called the California City Immigration Processing Center, began receiving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees in response to federal demand for housing and care. CoreCivic’s senior director, Ryan Gustin, confirmed the facility’s operational status, citing the need for safe and humane housing.
The facility, which can house up to 2,560 detainees, is the third privately-operated ICE facility in Kern County and the seventh in California. Despite its reopening, there is controversy surrounding the lack of a 180-day public notice, as required by state law. California City officials, including Mayor Marquette Hawkins and City Manager Christopher Lopez, did not comment on the facility’s reopening. However, Lopez mentioned that the facility might be subject to SB29, a state law that mandates public notice and comment before approving an immigration detention center.
The reopening has sparked protests and concerns from immigration rights advocates, who fear increased community arrests. According to a study by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, counties with more detention beds see a higher likelihood of arrests. Faith in the Valley, a nonprofit group, estimated that 300 detainees have already been transferred to the facility from other locations.
CoreCivic has a long history with California City, having operated the facility as a federal detention center and later as a state prison before its closure in 2024. Partnering with ICE is expected to create 500 new jobs and generate over $2 million in property taxes for the city. Despite the controversy, CoreCivic emphasizes that it does not enforce immigration laws or have any say in deportation or release decisions. The facility will be subject to independent audits and visits by elected officials and community members.
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