New ICE Holding Facility Planned Near Alexandria, Louisiana

The Trump administration is set to open a new migrant holding facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, which will have 528 beds. This facility is located near the Alexandria International Airport, potentially facilitating the deportation process for families and unaccompanied children. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has described the facility as a 'staging area' where migrants will be held for a maximum of 72 hours before deportation. The facility will be operated by a nonprofit arm of LaSalle Corrections, a private prison contractor, and is expected to be operational as early as next month. Airpark officials have characterized the facility as a 'humanitarian effort' for families who are 'self-deporting.' ICE has stated that families at the facility will not be referred to as prisoners and will not be subjected to bars or cages during transport. The facility will not be involved in the care of unaccompanied children, who are typically placed in state-licensed shelters. Concerns have been raised regarding the operational history of LaSalle Corrections, which has faced scrutiny over detainee deaths and violations of health and safety standards at other facilities.