US government buys two major migrant detention centers in California

The U.S. government has finalized the purchase of two major migrant detention centers in California, shifting direct responsibility for thousands of detainees from a private company to federal authorities. The acquisition of the California City and Otay Mesa centers, with a combined capacity for over 4,000 individuals, marks a significant step in the Trump administration's strategy to expand national detention capabilities.

This move away from private contractors aims to create a more streamlined and efficient detention and deportation network, according to a memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Federal officials state that direct federal ownership will enhance custody management and expedite expulsion operations. The total cost for the two facilities was $1.5 billion.

While the government emphasizes efficiency, immigrant rights advocates and some legal experts see potential benefits in direct federal control. They argue that federal ownership could increase accountability for the conditions and treatment of detainees, an issue that has drawn criticism in private facilities over the past two years. Despite the change in ownership, the private company, CoreCivic, is expected to continue managing the facilities under existing contracts with ICE.