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Emigration and immigration

Rural Tennessee Town Approves Immigration Detention Facility Despite Community Protests

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mason, a rural town in Tennessee, has voted to approve agreements to convert a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by CoreCivic Inc., despite loud objections from residents and activists. The decision was made in a contentious public meeting, where attendees expressed concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the potential economic benefits of the facility. Mayor Eddie Noeman argued that reopening the prison would bring jobs and economic development to the town, which has struggled with financial problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Mason Board of Aldermen voted to approve contracts with CoreCivic Inc. to operate an immigration detention facility, despite public opposition.
  • The facility would create nearly 240 new jobs at a pay rate of $26.50 per hour and generate about $325,000 in annual property tax revenue.
  • The town's Mayor, Eddie Noeman, argued that reopening the prison would bring jobs and economic development to the town, which has struggled with financial problems.
  • Some community members expressed concerns about the treatment of immigrants and the potential harm caused to the local community.
  • The town of Mason has a history of struggling with financial problems and needs infrastructure improvements, with a population of about 1,300.
  • Noeman argued that turning the prison over to CoreCivic and ICE is a "win-win situation" that would provide jobs for the town's residents.
  • CoreCivic has been fined $44.7 million across four prisons in Tennessee for understaffing violations and has settled about 80 lawsuits alleging mistreatment at its facilities.

Statistics:

  • The facility would create nearly 240 new jobs at a pay rate of $26.50 per hour.
  • The facility would generate about $325,000 in annual property tax revenue and $200,000 for the town of Mason.
  • CoreCivic has been fined $44.7 million across four prisons in Tennessee for understaffing violations.
  • The company has settled about 80 lawsuits and out-of-court complaints alleging mistreatment at its facilities, including at least 22 inmate deaths.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • The State of Tennessee's Corrections Agency
  • CoreCivic Inc.
  • The Tennessean
  • AP News Archives

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