The Prairie Correctional Facility in Appleton, Minnesota, is at the center of speculation about its potential reopening as an immigration detention facility. This comes after a proposed contract was posted on a federal database, suggesting the prison could meet the requirements of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The facility, owned by CoreCivic, has been closed since 2010 but has undergone $1 million in renovations recently.
Local Impact and Reactions
Appleton Mayor Justin Koepp and City Administrator John Olinger have refrained from commenting due to a lack of information from CoreCivic. However, if the facility reopens, it could more than double the city’s population of 1,400. CoreCivic has posted job openings for key positions, indicating preparations for potential operations.
Local resident Brian Wojtalewicz expressed opposition to the facility’s reopening, citing ongoing renovations and increased activity at the site as signs of CoreCivic’s intent. Meanwhile, Swift County officials have been kept in the loop about developments, though they have not been directly involved in the decision-making process.
Federal and Corporate Developments
The proposed contract aligns with the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement goals, as outlined in a 2025 tax and spending bill. While the Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed plans to reopen the facility, the contract details how it could house up to 1,600 detainees, providing necessary services around the clock.
CoreCivic’s senior director of public affairs, Ryan Gustin, stated that the company is exploring opportunities with government partners. The job postings were described as a means to gauge interest and build a pool of applicants for potential future operations.
Community Concerns and Advocacy
Local advocacy group CURE has voiced strong opposition to the facility’s reopening as an immigration detention center. The group argues that such a move contradicts democratic principles and has urged city officials to collaborate with residents to explore alternative uses for the facility. CURE organized a vigil and press conference last September to express these concerns.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
