The Trump administration took a new step in its strategy to expand immigration detention capacity by acquiring two of the largest centers of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE). The deal, valued at $1.5 billion, will allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to own both facilities, although private company CoreCivic will continue to manage them.

The information was published by CalMatters, which details that the purchase is part of a federal plan to strengthen immigration infrastructure amid the increase in resources allocated to border control during the administration of President Donald Trump.

The government expands its detention infrastructure

The operation includes the Otay Mesa Detention Center, in San Diego County, with capacity for 1,994 people, and the California City Detention Center, in Kern County, which has 2,560 beds.

According to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the federal government paid $739.2 million for Otay Mesa and $732.6 million for California City.

Despite the change in ownership, CoreCivic will continue to be in charge of the day-to-day operation of both centers under current contracts with ICE, although the company acknowledged that the conditions could be renegotiated now that the government owns the facilities.

In addition, the company estimates to obtain net income close to $1.1 billion after completing the sale.

The purchase generates criticism and questions

The acquisition occurs in a context of strong federal investment in immigration matters. The approved 2025 budget includes nearly $170 billion for DHS, of which $45 billion is specifically earmarked to expand migrant detention capacity through 2029.

However, civil organizations and local authorities warned that the change in ownership does not resolve complaints about conditions inside the centers.

Democratic Senator Alex Padilla, who has visited both facilities, reiterated his concern about the situation of the detainees.

“Too many people who pose no threat to public safety remain in unacceptable conditions, with insufficient access to medical care, legal counsel, clean water and nutritious food,” Padilla said in a statement.

For her part, San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer questioned the agreement, considering that it strengthens the immigration detention policy.

“This is Trump's mass detention agenda, which is getting bigger, more permanent and more expensive, with CoreCivic making a $1.1 billion profit while continuing to run the facilities,” he said.

Legal disputes persist

The Otay Mesa Detention Center faces litigation over health inspections by local authorities, while the California City complex remains under a lawsuit related to alleged pending operating permits.

Attorney Grisel Ruiz, from the Immigrant Legal Resources Center, maintained that the sale does not modify the company's legal obligations.

“The sale to DHS does not change the fact that CoreCivic must continue to legally operate the facilities,” he stated.

Likewise, CoreCivic confirmed that it is holding preliminary talks with ICE to sell other detention centers to the federal government, although it clarified that there is still no definitive agreement.

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