Immigrant arrests create 'unprecedented growth opportunities' for private jails

The companies are working to reactivate idle detention centers including a 1,033-bed facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, owned by CoreCivic.

CoreCivic

A Fight Is Brewing in the Midwest Over Immigrant Mass Detention

A coalition of local, state, and regional organizations has come together to counter this narrative. It includes Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR), based in Kansas City; the ACLU of Kansas, which previously fought to shut the prison down; the local Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth; and Loud Light, representing immigrants in southwest Kansas. Together, the groups have mobilized residents, organized local faith leaders, and courted former prison guards to their campaign.

CoreCivic

Debate over ICE detention center intensifies inside and outside court

Local organizations, including the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and ACLU of Kansas were also present.

CoreCivic

CoreCivic asks district judge to dismiss counts, pushes to reopen Leavenworth prison

“When we say we’re worried about the dehumanization of people inside the facility, when we say that we’re worried about the exploitation of workers, when we talk about life and death circumstances for everyone inside, the answer to those questions does not count in dollar amounts,” Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, told those gathered.

CoreCivic

Family of man killed by Lenexa Police still waiting to view footage

Since Chacon’s death, his family, as well as organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, have been asking for footage of the shooting to be released.

Jose Enrique

How Trump Used the Criminal System to Massively Expand Immigration Detention

A federal judge once called Leavenworth Detention Center “an absolute hell hole.” In a 2021 letter to federal officials, the ACLU of Kansas pointed to stabbings, suicides and homicides that occurred with “alarming frequency.”

immigration

KC Sipps: What to do if ICE enters a restaurant, a cool First Friday, and fresh new menus

Another two area restaurants were raided by ICE this week. As a refresher, here is a collection of resources from ACLU Kansas and Missouri and Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR).

KC Sipps

ICE detains up to 12 people in Kansas City area raids at Mexican restaurants, advocates say

An immigration advocacy group says the raids were carried out by Homeland Security Investigation agents about midday on Wednesday at El Toro Loco restaurants in Lenexa and Kansas City, Kansas.

El Toro Loco

Body cam footage to be shown to family of man killed in June by Lenexa police

In early July, the ACLU of Kansas called for the “immediate release” of the body camera footage from the June 22 shooting. The release, the nonprofit said, would allow for transparency and accountability.

Jose Enrique apt