Will An ICe Detention Center Come To North Carolina?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to potentially establish North Carolina's inaugural federal detention center later this year at the former Rivers Correctional Center located in Winton, Hertford County. This information comes from a report by the New York Times, which references internal federal documents. According to the news outlet, this facility would rank among the largest on the East Coast, accommodating 1,400 detainees upon its anticipated opening by the year's end.

The NY Times initially reported in February that ICE intended to acquire and repurpose several warehouses in 21 cities across the United States to shelter illegal immigrants, including locations in Concord, Cabarrus County. Additionally, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) mentioned plans for a facility at the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, Guilford County, although both claims were unverified. Futhermore, this facility is situated in North Carolina's competitive First Congressional District. The current incumbent, Democrat US Rep. Don Davis, is set to compete against Republican challenger Laurie Buckhout in the upcoming General Election in November.

Some community members believe that the facility will provide much-needed employment opportunities in the area. The county, with a population of under 20,000, has a poverty rate of 23%, which is nearly double the state average. Furthermore, Senators Phil Berger, R-Rockingham; Warren Daniel, R-Burke; and Buck Newton, R-Wilson, all backed SB 153, referred to as the "North Carolina Border Protection Act." This initiative focuses on immigration enforcement and is framed as a public safety measure aimed at improving cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Governor Stein strongly opposed this legislation, as well as the proposed detention center.